Contemn: meaning, definitions and examples

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contemn

 

[ kษ™nหˆtษ›m ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

express disdain

To contemn is to regard something with contempt or scorn; it implies a strong sense of disapproval and disdain towards someone or something. When one contemns, they may express their feelings verbally or through their actions. This word often denotes a moral or ethical superiority over the object of disdain. The act of contemning can be both personal and social, as it often involves judging others' behaviors or beliefs negatively.

Synonyms

despise, disdain, scorn, spurn

Examples of usage

  • He contemns those who do not respect the environment.
  • She contemns the outdated practices of the organization.
  • Many contemn the actions of corrupt politicians.

Translations

Translations of the word "contemn" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น desprezar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคตเคœเฅเคžเคพ เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช verachten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ merendahkan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฝะตะฒะฐะถะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ lekcewaลผyฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ปฝ่”‘ใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mรฉpriser

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ despreciar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kรผรงรผmsemek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฒฝ์‹œํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุญุชู‚ุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pohrdat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ pohrdaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฝป่ง†

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ prezirati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fyrirgefa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›าฑั€ะผะตั‚ั‚ะตะผะตัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒ›แƒชแƒ˜แƒ แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kiรงiltmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ despreciar

Etymology

The word 'contemn' originates from the Latin verb 'contemnere', which means 'to scorn' or 'to despise'. This Latin term is composed of the prefix 'con-' meaning 'with' and the root 'temnere', which means 'to slight or despise'. The term made its way into Middle English in the 14th century, maintaining its essential meaning of expressing disdain or contempt towards something or someone. Over the centuries, 'contemn' has been used in various literary and philosophical contexts, often to convey moral judgments or critical observations about societal norms and individual behaviors. Its usage has diminished in contemporary English, often replaced by more common synonyms like 'scorn' or 'disdain', but it still carries a weighty connotation rooted in judgment and ethical assessment.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,548 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.