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Despising: meaning, definitions and examples

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despising

 

[ dɪˈspaɪzɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

strong dislike

Despising is a strong emotional response characterized by a feeling of intense dislike or contempt for someone or something. When an individual despises another, it often means that they hold a strong negative judgment or disdain toward that person, usually due to perceived flaws, actions, or beliefs. This strong emotion can lead to a desire for distance or avoidance from the object of disdain. Despising is deeper than mere dislike; it encompasses feelings of scorn and repulsion.

Synonyms

contempt, disdain, hatred, scorn

Examples of usage

  • She felt a strong sense of despising for the unfair treatment.
  • He was despising the dishonesty that surrounded him.
  • They found themselves despising the corrupt practices of the government.

Translations

Translations of the word "despising" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desprezar

🇮🇳 नफरत करना

🇩🇪 verachten

🇮🇩 mencemooh

🇺🇦 зневажати

🇵🇱 pogardzać

🇯🇵 軽蔑する

🇫🇷 mépriser

🇪🇸 despreciar

🇹🇷 küçümsemek

🇰🇷 경멸하다

🇸🇦 ازدراء

🇨🇿 pohrdat

🇸🇰 pohrdať

🇨🇳 轻视

🇸🇮 prezirati

🇮🇸 fyrirlíta

🇰🇿 жек көру

🇬🇪 გარყვნილება

🇦🇿 kiçiltmək

🇲🇽 despreciar

Etymology

The word 'despise' originates from the Latin term 'despicere', which means 'to look down upon'. This etymological root highlights the connotations of scorn associated with the term. In Middle English, it evolved into 'despysen', reflecting the change in pronunciation and usage through the centuries. By the 14th century, it had solidified into its current form. The prefix 'de-' suggests negation or reversal, while 'spicere' relates to looking or seeing, thus the term captures the essence of looking down on someone or something with a sense of disdain. Over time, 'despising' came to describe a particularly intense form of dislike, which is often emotional and reflected in actions and attitudes toward others.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,839, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.