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Despising Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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despising

[dɪˈspaɪzɪŋ ]

Definition

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

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often expressed disdain for others, revealing deep human emotions.
  • The emotion of despising is frequently explored in novels to highlight conflicts between characters, especially in moral choices.
  • Classic literature often requires readers to confront feelings of despising in characters, aiding in grasping complex ethical dilemmas.

Psychology

  • Feeling despising can stem from threats to one's self-esteem or values, often serving as a defense mechanism.
  • Research shows that those who despise often have underlying feelings of insecurity, reflecting deeper personal issues.
  • Expressing feelings of despising can have negative effects on mental health, leading to increased stress or anxiety.

Pop Culture

  • In films, characters often despise antagonists, which adds drama and engages audiences with moral questions.
  • Popular songs frequently use themes of despising relationships, expressing betrayal and emotional conflicts.
  • TV shows often portray characters who despise others, highlighting societal issues and personal growth over time.

Society

  • Expressions of despising can be seen in social movements, where marginalized groups often rise against oppression.
  • In political discourse, feelings of despising can lead to division and conflict, impacting social cohesion.
  • Cultural studies often analyze how communities deal with feelings of despising, examining conflict resolution or reconciliation methods.

Origin of 'despising'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'despicare', which means 'to look down on'.
  • It was adopted into Middle English from the Old French 'despiser', which carried a similar meaning.
  • Its usage evolved through the centuries, often connected with feelings of contempt.

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.