Disdain: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate when you want to express a feeling of superiority and a lack of respect towards someone or something.

• She looked at the messy room with disdain.
• His voice was filled with disdain when he spoke about the new policies.

Used to show a deep sense of disapproval and lack of respect towards someone, often with an implication of viewing them as inferior. It's often more intense than 'disdain'.

• He felt nothing but contempt for the corrupt politician.
• Her contempt for his behavior was evident in her frown.

Best for expressing strong feelings of disdain mixed with a sense of superiority or moral judgment. It often implies looking down on someone with a severe lack of respect.

• She spoke with scorn about their outdated traditions.
• He couldn't hide his scorn for those who cheat and lie.

Used explicitly to describe actions or attitudes that show a lack of respect towards someone or something. It's direct and often carries a negative connotation.

• The student's disrespect towards the teacher was shocking.
• He was fired for his repeated acts of disrespect in the workplace.

Applies when showing a lack of consideration or attention towards someone or something. It can be unintentional or deliberate but isn’t always accompanied by disrespect.

• He showed a blatant disregard for the rules.
• Her disregard for her own health was troubling.

When you want to express a strong feeling of dislike or lack of respect for someone or something, due to them being seen as inferior or unworthy.

• She looked at the messy room with disdain.
• He spoke with disdain about the latest policy changes.

Use in situations where you have intense hatred and repulsion towards someone or something.

• I despise dishonesty in any form.
• She despises her ex-boyfriend for cheating on her.

Used when indicating that someone believes they are better than someone else. Common in everyday language and less formal than 'disdain' or 'despise'.

• She tends to look down on people who don't have a college degree.
• It's not right to look down on someone just because they have less money.

Typically used when someone deliberately ignores or acts coldly towards another, often in a social setting.

• She snubbed him at the party, refusing to acknowledge his presence.
• The manager's snub was evident when he didn't invite certain team members to the meeting.

Appropriate in situations where you refuse to accept, consider, or submit to someone or something.

• The company decided to reject the job applicant.
• He felt hurt when she rejected his friendship offer.