V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary
contempt
noun
Definition: willful and open disrespect
Synonyms: disdain, dislike, disrespect, hatred, disgust, disregard, scorn, loathing, shame, dishonor, arrogance, defiance
Antonyms: regard, reverence, respect, honor, affection
Tips: The word contempt comes from the Latin word contemnere, "to despise utterly." When you hold something or someone in contempt or have contempt for something, you have a powerful dislike for it and feel that it is undeserving of respect. To say that someone is "beneath contempt" is to say that he or she is completely undeserving of regard or respect. To be "held in contempt" of a court is a common legal term meaning that the judge has ordered a punishment for someone who was being disrespectful or disobedient in court. To contemn means "to scorn, to disrespect, to look down on with disdain." The adjective contemptible means "deserving of contempt." The adjective contemptuous means "full of contempt for someone or something." Please note the difference between contemptible and contemptuous. See disdain for additional analysis.
Usage Examples:
I have nothing but contempt for people who lie, cheat, and steal. (disgust, loathing)
He is very contemptuous of people who don't work hard and complain about everything in life. (expressing disgust) adjective
Her comments were contemptible, and I can't possibly have any respect for her at this point. (shameful, loathsome, deserving of disdain) adjective
I have nothing but contempt for people who are cruel to animals. (disrespect, scorn, disdain, dislike)
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