Disdain Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
disdain
[dษชsหdeษชn ]
Definitions
feeling
The feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect; contempt.
Synonyms
contempt, disregard, disrespect, scorn.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
disdain |
Appropriate when you want to express a feeling of superiority and a lack of respect towards someone or something.
|
contempt |
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'.
|
scorn |
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.
|
disrespect |
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.
|
disregard |
Applies when showing a lack of consideration or attention towards someone or something. It can be unintentional or deliberate but isnโt always accompanied by disrespect.
|
Examples of usage
- He regarded the suggestion with disdain.
- She showed disdain for his opinion.
action
To regard or treat with haughty contempt; to scorn.
Synonyms
despise, look down on, reject, snub.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
disdain |
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.
|
despise |
Use in situations where you have intense hatred and repulsion towards someone or something.
|
look down on |
Used when indicating that someone believes they are better than someone else. Common in everyday language and less formal than 'disdain' or 'despise'.
|
snub |
Typically used when someone deliberately ignores or acts coldly towards another, often in a social setting.
|
reject |
Appropriate in situations where you refuse to accept, consider, or submit to someone or something.
|
Examples of usage
- She disdained his offer of help.
- He disdained to answer her question.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Shakespeare often used the term to express characters' feelings of superiority, highlighting societal judgments.
- In Jane Austenโs works, disdain for social class differences generates tension between characters.
- Disdain is a common theme in poetry, often illustrating the gap between aspiration and reality.
Psychology
- Experiencing disdain can indicate deep-seated insecurities or a desire for social dominance.
- Disdain often manifests in body language, like crossing arms or rolling eyes, reflecting inner judgments.
- It's linked to feelings of superiority, which can create barriers in relationships or prevent empathy.
Pop Culture
- Popular characters in films often display disdain as a sign of villainy, establishing them as antagonists.
- In music, lyrics frequently express disdain towards societal norms, connecting with listeners' frustrations.
- Reality TV shows often amplify disdain, showcasing rivals and their conflicts to engage audiences.
Philosophy
- Philosophers like Nietzsche explored disdain as a response to societal values, arguing it contributes to personal authenticity.
- Ethics discussions often debate the morality of disdain, questioning whether it's justified in critical judgments.
- Existentialists might view disdain as a rejection of superficiality, encouraging deeper, more authentic connections.
Origin of 'disdain'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'dฤซsspectare', meaning 'to look down upon'.
- In Middle English, it was spelled 'disdeyn', showing its evolution in language over time.
- The prefix 'dis-' signifies negation, while the root 'dain' relates to worth, indicating contempt.
The word 'disdain' originated from the Old French word 'desdaignier' which means 'to reject with scorn'. It entered the English language in the 14th century. Over the centuries, 'disdain' has been used to express a strong feeling of contempt or disregard towards someone or something.
See also: disdainer, disdainful, disdainfully.