World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesContempt
/kənˈtɛmpt/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
The feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving of scorn.
"She looked at him with deep contempt after he lied about his actions." - 2
The offense of being disobedient to or disrespectful of a court of law and its officers.
"The unruly witness was cited for contempt of court."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'contemptus', the past participle of 'contemnere' meaning 'to scorn or despise', composed from 'com-' (an intensive prefix) and 'temnere' (to slight). It entered the English language in the 14th century through Old French, retaining its core connotation of treating someone or something with utter disrespect or disdain.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Contempt"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Contempt" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
mépris
Transliteration: meh-pree
"Il regardait ses rivaux avec un profond mépris."
Verachtung
Transliteration: fer-akh-toong
"Er blickte mit Verachtung auf die Unehrlichkeit."
disprezzo
Transliteration: dis-pret-tso
"Provava un grande disprezzo per le bugie."
desprecio
Transliteration: des-pre-syo
"Mostró su desprecio hacia las injusticias del sistema."
desprezo
Transliteration: dʒis-pɾe-zu
"Ele olhou para o traidor com profundo desprezo."
तिरस्कार
Transliteration: tiraskar
"उसने बेईमान व्यक्ति को तिरस्कार की दृष्टि से देखा।"
蔑视
Transliteration: mièshì
"他用蔑视的目光看着那个背叛者。"
경멸
Transliteration: gyeongmyeol
"그는 거짓말쟁이를 경멸의 눈으로 바라보았다."
蔑視
Transliteration: besshi
"彼はその不誠実な態度を深く蔑視した。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsPlacing the customer's needs, experiences, and preferences at the center of a business's philosophy, operations, and decision-making.
The cold temperature or biting quality of the air characteristic of winter.
To walk with difficulty, typically because of physical injury or stiffness in the legs or feet.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Contempt"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.