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Despised Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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despised

[dɪˈspaɪzd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

strong dislike

To despise something or someone is to have a strong feeling of aversion, disdain, or contempt. It implies a deep-seated emotional response that can stem from a perceived lack of worthiness or moral integrity. When a person despises another, it often reflects more on the person feeling this emotion than the target of their disdain. Despising can lead to social rejection or a desire to distance oneself from what is despised.

Synonyms

abhor, detest, disdain, hate, loathe.

Examples of usage

  • He despised the way she treated others.
  • She despised the idea of dishonesty.
  • Many despised the unfair policies of the government.

Translations

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

Origin of 'despised'

The word 'despised' originates from the Latin term 'despicere,' which means 'to look down on' or 'to scorn.' This Latin root is a combination of 'de-' meaning 'down' and 'specere' meaning 'to look.' The transition from Latin to Old French saw the evolution of 'despiser,' which carried the meaning of having a low opinion of someone or something. By the time it entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, 'despise' had solidified its connotation of strong negative feelings towards persons or ideas. The form 'despised' is simply the past tense of this verb, used to describe actions or feelings that have already occurred. Over the centuries, the emotional weight of 'despise' has been reflected in literature and common speech, often emphasizing moral judgment and personal values.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,071, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.