contempt

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
  2. noun a manner that is generally disrespectful and contemptuous
  3. noun open disrespect for a person or thing

Etymology

From Latin contemptus (“scorn”), from contemnō (“to scorn, despise”), from com- + temnō (“to despise”). Displaced native Old English forsewennes.

In classic literature

Synonyms

disdain, scorn, despite

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