Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Contempt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👎
Add to dictionary

contempt

[kənˈtɛm(p)t ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

the feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn

Synonyms

disdain, disrespect, scorn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
contempt

This word often describes a deep sense of disapproval or derision towards someone or something considered unworthy or inferior. It can be used in legal settings to describe a willful disobedience to or disrespect for the court.

  • She spoke with contempt about his dishonesty.
  • The judge held the defendant in contempt for his outburst.
disdain

This word is used when someone shows a lack of respect towards something or someone perceived as not worth consideration. It suggests a sense of superiority.

  • He looked at her with disdain as she struggled with the task.
  • She has a strong disdain for gossip and rumors.
scorn

This word is often used to express a deeper and more intense level of rejection and hatred. It denotes an attitude of extreme contempt and often involves mockery.

  • She couldn't hide her scorn for his cowardly actions.
  • He faced the scorn of his peers after the incident.
disrespect

Less intense than contempt and disdain, this word refers to a lack of respect or courtesy towards someone or something. It is often used to describe rude or insulting behavior.

  • His disrespect for the teacher was obvious.
  • She felt disheartened by his disrespectful comments.

Examples of usage

  • He showed open contempt for his rivals.
  • She felt nothing but contempt for her lazy coworker.
Context #2 | Noun

law

willful disobedience to or open disrespect for the rules or orders of a court

Synonyms

defiance, disobedience, rebellion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
contempt

Used to express deep disdain or the feeling that something is worthless or beneath consideration.

  • She looked at the messy room with contempt
  • He spoke with contempt about the new policy
defiance

Typically used to describe open resistance or bold disobedience to authority.

  • The protestors shouted in defiance of the new law
  • His defiance was evident when he refused to follow the orders
disobedience

Refers to the act of not following orders or rules, often in a less aggressive manner than defiance.

  • Her disobedience in the classroom resulted in a detention
  • The dog's disobedience made training challenging
rebellion

This word is used to describe an organized resistance against authority, often involving a group and implying a larger scope than individual defiance.

  • The rebellion against the government lasted for months
  • Teen rebellion is a common phase in their development

Examples of usage

  • The judge found him in contempt of court for his outburst.
Context #3 | Noun

general

the state of being despised or dishonored

Synonyms

disgrace, humiliation, shame.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
contempt

This word is used to express a strong feeling of disdain or lack of respect for someone or something perceived as worthless. It often implies a moral judgment.

  • She felt a deep contempt for those who abandoned their responsibilities
  • \nHe spoke with utter contempt about the corruption in politics
shame

Shame is a painful feeling arising from the consciousness of something dishonorable or improper done by oneself or another. It can be both internal (personal feeling of guilt) and external (public disapproval).

  • He felt shame for lying to his friends
  • \nThere was a sense of shame about the condition of the neighborhood
disgrace

Disgrace means a state of dishonor or loss of respect due to a particular action, situation, or behavior. It often has a public aspect.

  • The scandal brought disgrace to the entire family
  • \nHe faced disgrace after his unethical business practices were exposed
humiliation

Humiliation refers to the act or state of being made to feel ashamed or foolish, often in public, causing a loss of dignity or self-respect.

  • She experienced humiliation when she tripped and fell on stage
  • \nThe criticism from his boss was a source of deep humiliation

Examples of usage

  • Their actions brought contempt upon the entire organization.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research indicates that contempt can predict relationship breakdowns, as it's often seen as the most damaging emotion.
  • People may express this feeling through body language, such as sneering or eye-rolling, showing disdain nonverbally.
  • Contempt can also arise from a perceived violation of social norms, causing individuals to feel superior to others.

Legal Context

  • In court, 'contempt of court' refers to actions that show disrespect for the court, which can lead to penalties.
  • Judges can hold individuals in contempt for various behaviors, including failure to comply with court orders.
  • This legal concept emphasizes the importance of respect for the law and its procedures in society.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, openly expressing contempt can lead to social ostracization, reflecting deep social consequences.
  • Literature often uses contempt to develop character conflicts, with antagonists embodying disdainful traits.
  • Expressions of contempt can vary dramatically between cultures, with some considering it a taboo emotion to display publicly.

Pop Culture

  • Movies frequently depict villains who showcase contempt, framing them as emotionally disconnected from others.
  • Television shows often explore contempt in interpersonal dynamics, leading to dramatic confrontations between characters.
  • Contempt can serve as a central theme in various art forms, illustrating the darker sides of human relationships.

Origin of 'contempt'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'contemptus', meaning 'scorn' or 'disregard'.
  • It made its way into English around the 14th century, originally reflecting feelings of disdain.
  • The prefix 'con-' means 'with' or 'together', while 'tempere' relates to moderation, hinting at a mix of strong feelings.

The word 'contempt' originated from the Latin word 'contemptus', which means 'scorn'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The concept of contempt has been present in various cultures throughout history, often associated with feelings of disdain or disrespect towards others. In legal contexts, contempt refers to the willful disobedience of court rules or orders, highlighting the importance of respect for authority and the law.

See also: contemptible, contemptuous, contemptuously.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,818, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.