Disrespectful
/ˌdɪsrɪˈspektfəl/
Definitions
Lacking respect or showing a lack of politeness.
/ˌdɪsrɪˈspektfəl/
Showing a lack of respect or courtesy
The student's disrespectful behavior towards the teacher resulted in detention.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is talking, and you interrupt them all the time, or you make fun of them in public. Being disrespectful is like that – not being nice or polite to others.
👶 For kids: When you are disrespectful, you are not being nice and kind to others.
More Examples
It is considered disrespectful to interrupt someone while they are speaking.
His disrespectful attitude towards his elders caused a family conflict.
How It's Used
"His disrespectful comments during the meeting caused a lot of tension."
"The child was scolded for being disrespectful to their teacher."
Idioms & expressions
to show disrespect
To demonstrate a lack of respect.
"He showed disrespect by refusing to remove his hat during the ceremony."
to be disrespectful of
To not show respect for something (e.g. authority, tradition, etc.).
"The student was disrespectful of school rules and faced consequences."
From Middle English *disrespecte*, from Old French *desrespeit* (“disrespect”), from *des-* (“un-”) + *respeit* (“respect”).
The word 'disrespectful' has been used since the late 16th century, evolving from the concept of a lack of regard.
Memory tip
Think of a person who doesn't give space or listens to someone who's trying to speak with you.