scorn·ful \-nfəl\adjective Etymology: Middle English, from scorn + -ful 1.: full of scorn : contemptuous, disdainful — often used with of < a scornful attitude > < a scornful smile > < scornful of the conventions that he esteemed — Ellen Glasgow > 2.obsolete: treated with scorn : exciting scorn • scorn·ful·ly\-lē, -li\adverb • scorn·ful·nessnoun-es