Contemn: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ง
contemn
[ kษnหtษm ]
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- She contemns the outdated practices of the organization.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:
๐ต๐น desprezar
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคตเคเฅเคเคพ เคเคฐเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช verachten
๐ฎ๐ฉ merendahkan
๐บ๐ฆ ะทะฝะตะฒะฐะถะฐัะธ
๐ต๐ฑ lekcewaลผyฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ่ปฝ่ใใ
๐ซ๐ท mรฉpriser
๐ช๐ธ despreciar
๐น๐ท kรผรงรผmsemek
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ฒฝ์ํ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุญุชูุฑ
๐จ๐ฟ pohrdat
๐ธ๐ฐ pohrdaลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ่ฝป่ง
๐ธ๐ฎ prezirati
๐ฎ๐ธ fyrirgefa
๐ฐ๐ฟ าาฑัะผะตััะตะผะตั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแชแแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ kiรงiltmษk
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.