Disrespect Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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disrespect
[ˌdɪs.rɪˈspɛkt ]
Definitions
in social interactions
Lack of respect or courtesy towards someone or something. It can manifest in various forms such as rude behavior, disregard for authority, or insolent attitude.
Synonyms
discourtesy, impoliteness, insolence, rudeness.
Examples of usage
- He showed disrespect towards his elders by talking back to them.
- Her disrespectful comments offended many people at the meeting.
in actions
To show a lack of respect or consideration towards someone or something. It involves behaving in a disrespectful or discourteous manner.
Synonyms
disregard, insult, offend, snub.
Examples of usage
- He disrespected his colleagues by constantly interrupting them during the meeting.
- She felt disrespected when he ignored her opinions and ideas.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, showing respect is fundamental to social harmony and order, indicating the importance of relationships.
- Disrespect can lead to conflicts, misunderstandings, and breakdowns in communication, highlighting its societal impacts.
- Various martial arts teach that showing respect even to opponents is vital for personal growth and conflict resolution.
Psychology
- Experiencing disrespect can increase feelings of anger and anxiety, which can affect mental health over time.
- The concept of 'self-respect' is linked to personal identity; when others are disrespectful, it can challenge our self-worth.
- Research shows that receiving respect from peers can enhance motivation and performance in both educational and workplace settings.
Literature
- In many classic novels, characters face struggles with respect, illustrating the themes of power dynamics and societal norms.
- Disrespect often serves as a plot device, driving conflict between characters in dramas and tragedies.
- Poets frequently explore the theme of disrespect to comment on social injustices and personal relationships.
Legal Aspects
- In some jurisdictions, acts of disrespect in the form of harassment or bullying can have legal ramifications.
- Workplaces often have policies that outline what constitutes disrespectful behavior, aiming to promote a healthier environment.
- Disrespect in public spaces can sometimes lead to charges of disorderly conduct, depending on the severity of the actions.
Origin of 'disrespect'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'disrespect' comes from the prefix 'dis-', meaning not, and 'respect', which comes from Latin 'respectus', meaning regard or consideration.
- It has been used in the English language since at least the 19th century.
- The combination of 'dis' and 'respect' creates a strong sense of negation, highlighting the absence of regard.
The word 'disrespect' originated from the Latin word 'dis-' meaning 'lack of' and 'respectus' meaning 'regard' or 'consideration'. It first appeared in English around the 17th century. Throughout history, disrespect has been seen as a violation of social norms and values, often leading to conflicts and misunderstandings.
See also: disrespectful, disrespectfully, disrespectfulness, disrespects, respect, respectability, respectable, respected, respectful, respectfully, respectfulness, respecting, respective, respectively.