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Despicable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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despicable

[dɪˈspɪkəb(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Deserving hatred and contempt, typically because of engaging in morally reprehensible behavior.

Synonyms

abhorrent, detestable, disgusting, repugnant, vile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
despicable

Used to describe something or someone that is morally reprehensible and worthy of contempt.

  • He committed a despicable act of betrayal
  • They found his behavior despicable
disgusting

Used more commonly to describe something that provokes a strong feeling of physical or emotional revulsion.

  • The food was disgusting
  • He made a disgusting comment during the meeting
abhorrent

Used when expressing a strong feeling of dislike or hatred towards something, often in moral or ethical situations.

  • His views on the matter were abhorrent to everyone at the meeting
  • They found the idea of cheating abhorrent
vile

Used to describe something that is extremely unpleasant, often with a connotation of evil or wickedness.

  • That was a vile insult
  • He spread vile rumors about his colleagues
repugnant

Used for expressing strong distaste or aversion, often in legal or moral contexts.

  • Their actions were morally repugnant
  • The thought of lying was repugnant to him
detestable

Typically used to describe something or someone that is extremely unpleasant or offensive.

  • That was a detestable crime
  • She considered his arrogance detestable

Examples of usage

  • His despicable actions towards the vulnerable members of society were widely condemned.
  • The despicable behavior of the dictator shocked the international community.
Context #2 | Adjective

character

Worthy of intense dislike or disgust.

Synonyms

abominable, heinous, odious, repellent, revolting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
despicable

Used to describe someone or something that is universally seen as disgusting or morally reprehensible.

  • His despicable actions left everyone in the town shocked and angry.
  • Stealing from the donation box is a despicable act.
odious

Used to describe something or someone that is extremely unpleasant and deserving of strong dislike.

  • He had an odious habit of speaking ill of others behind their backs.
  • The odious smell from the garbage was unbearable.
repellent

Applied to things that are physically or emotionally repugnant, driving others away.

  • Her repellent attitude made it difficult for her to make friends.
  • The sight of the cockroaches was absolutely repellent.
revolting

Usually used to describe something that causes a strong feeling of disgust and nausea.

  • The revolting images in the documentary made many viewers feel sick.
  • His revolting hygiene practices were a source of constant complaints.
heinous

Used for crimes or actions that are shockingly evil and wicked, often resulting in severe consequences.

  • The murderer was sentenced to life in prison for his heinous crimes.
  • The details of the heinous act were too disturbing to broadcast on the news.
abominable

Typically applied to something that inspires extreme disgust and hatred due to its moral or physical appearance.

  • The conditions in the prison were abominable, making it an unfit place for any human being.
  • Her abominable behavior at the dinner embarrassed everyone present.

Examples of usage

  • The character in the movie was portrayed as despicable due to his cruel intentions.
  • Her despicable attitude towards her colleagues made it difficult to work with her.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The character Gru from the animated movie series 'Despicable Me' starts as a 'despicable' villain but evolves into a hero.
  • The term is often used in popular media to describe deceitful characters in movies and literature.
  • Prior to its association with family entertainment, the word was commonly used in political discourse.

Psychology

  • Labeling someone as 'despicable' can indicate a strong emotional response, often associated with moral outrage.
  • In social psychology, the perception of what is 'despicable' can vary greatly across cultures and communities.
  • People often use the term to express feelings of betrayal or disappointment towards someone's actions.

Literature

  • In many classic novels, 'despicable' characters serve as antagonists, highlighting moral conflicts.
  • Authors utilize this word to create vivid imagery of villainy, prompting readers to react emotionally.
  • Famous literary figures like Iago from Shakespeare's 'Othello' embody despicable traits, manipulating others for personal gain.

Historical Context

  • The term became popular during periods of social upheaval, often describing people's actions during wars or conflicts.
  • Historical figures labeled as 'despicable' often faced public backlash, influencing their legacy.
  • In political rhetoric, few words resonate as strongly as 'despicable' for framing arguments against opponents.

Origin of 'despicable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'despicabilis', meaning 'able to be despised'.
  • It entered English in the early 17th century, expressing strong disapproval.
  • The prefix 'des-' suggests negation, while 'spic' relates to looking or seeing.

The word 'despicable' originated from the Latin word 'despicari', which means 'to look down on'. Over time, 'despicable' evolved in English to describe something or someone as deserving contempt or intense dislike. The term has been used in literature, films, and everyday language to characterize actions or characters that are morally reprehensible or worthy of hatred.

See also: despise.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,414, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.