Disesteem: meaning, definitions and examples
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disesteem
[ dɪsˈiːstɛm ]
lack of respect
Disesteem refers to the condition of being regarded with contempt or lack of respect. It is the opposite of esteem, which means high regard or respect. This term is often used to describe situations where an individual or a group is viewed unfavorably.
Synonyms
contempt, disregard, disrespect, scorn
Examples of usage
- She faced disesteem after the scandal broke.
- There is widespread disesteem for politicians who engage in corruption.
- His actions led to disesteem in the community.
Etymology
The term 'disesteem' is derived from the prefix 'dis-', which indicates a negation or reversal, combined with the word 'esteem', which comes from the Latin 'aestimare', meaning 'to value' or 'to assess'. The use of 'disesteem' can be traced back to the mid-19th century, reflecting a broader societal tendency to categorize respect and value in relationships. The prefix 'dis-' transforms 'esteem' into its opposite, emphasizing the low regard that the word conveys. In modern language, 'disesteem' is less commonly used than its antonym 'esteem', but it serves an important role in discussions about social perception and treatment of individuals or groups in various contexts.