Cool MateMeaning of Contempt
the feeling that somebody/something is without value and deserves no respect at all
In simple words: A feeling of disrespect or dislike for someone or something
Contempt in a sentence
- He showed open contempt for the rules by deliberately breaking them.
- The judge held the defendant in contempt of court for refusing to answer questions.
- Her contempt for dishonesty was clear in the way she spoke.
- They expressed their contempt by ignoring his advice completely.
- Contempt for authority can sometimes lead to social unrest.
How to use Contempt
Used in serious contexts, often in legal or moral discussions. Avoid in casual conversations, as it may sound overly strong or negative.
Grammar pattern
feel + contempt (for someone/something)
Memory hint
Think of 'contempt' as 'con-tempt' — you 'con' someone if you really don't care about them.
Related words
Collocations with Contempt
Synonyms for Contempt
- disdain
- scorn
- disrespect
- contemptuousness
- derision
Opposites of Contempt
Common mistakes with Contempt
- Confused with 'contemptuous', which describes someone with contempt rather than the feeling itself.
- Used incorrectly as a verb; 'contempt' is a noun.
- Overusing in casual conversation, which can dilute its seriousness.
Contempt appears in
Contempt in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
ازدراء، احتقار
شعور بعدم الاحترام أو الكراهية تجاه شخص أو شيء ما
- Bengaliবাংলা
অবজ্ঞা, ঘৃণা
কাউকে বা কোনো কিছুকে তুচ্ছ বা অসম্মান করার অনুভূতি
- GermanDeutsch
Verachtung
Ein Gefühl von Respektlosigkeit oder Abneigung gegenüber jemandem oder etwas
- SpanishEspañol
Desprecio
Un sentimiento de falta de respeto o disgusto hacia alguien o algo.
- Persianفارسی
تحقیر
احساس بیاحترامی یا تنفر نسبت به کسی یا چیزی.
- FrenchFrançais
Mépris
Un sentiment de manque de respect ou de dédain envers quelqu'un ou quelque chose.
- Hindiहिन्दी
तिरस्कार, अवमानना
किसी व्यक्ति या वस्तु के प्रति अनादर या नापसंदगी की भावना
- ItalianItaliano
Disprezzo
Un sentimento di mancanza di rispetto o antipatia per qualcuno o qualcosa
- PortuguesePortuguês
Desprezo
Um sentimento de desrespeito ou antipatia por alguém ou algo
- RussianРусский
Презрение
Чувство неуважения или неприязни к кому-то или чему-то
- Urduاردو
حقارت، توہین
کسی شخص یا چیز کے لیے بے عزتی یا ناپسندیدگی کا احساس
- Chinese中文
蔑视,鄙视
瞧不起或不喜欢某人或某事的感觉
More words like Contempt
- Disrespect
- AbolishC1
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.
- AbortionC1
the deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage
- AbsenceC1
the fact of somebody being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when somebody is away
- AbsentC1
not in a place because of illness, etc.
- AbsorbB2
To take in a liquid, gas, or other substances.
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Frequently asked questions about Contempt
What does Contempt mean?
A feeling of disrespect or dislike for someone or something
What is the definition of Contempt?
the feeling that somebody/something is without value and deserves no respect at all
How do you use Contempt in a sentence?
He showed open contempt for the rules by deliberately breaking them.
Can you give another example of Contempt?
The judge held the defendant in contempt of court for refusing to answer questions.
What are synonyms for Contempt?
Common alternatives include disdain, scorn, disrespect, contemptuousness, derision.
What is the opposite of Contempt?
Opposite meanings include respect, admiration.
What words go with Contempt?
It commonly pairs with complete, deep, great, feel, have, hold somebody/something in, contempt for, beneath contempt, with contempt, complete, deep, great, feel, have, hold somebody/something in, contempt for, beneath contempt, with contempt, civil, criminal, be held in, in contempt.
What are common mistakes when using Contempt?
Confused with 'contemptuous', which describes someone with contempt rather than the feeling itself. Used incorrectly as a verb; 'contempt' is a noun. Overusing in casual conversation, which can dilute its seriousness.
How do you pronounce Contempt?
US: /["/kənˈtempt/"]/, UK: /["/kənˈtempt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
Is Contempt formal or informal?
"Contempt" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.
When should I use Contempt?
Used in serious contexts, often in legal or moral discussions. Avoid in casual conversations, as it may sound overly strong or negative.
What CEFR level is Contempt?
"Contempt" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.