Contempt
/kənˈtɛmpt/
nounB2
Definition
Contempt means a deep feeling that someone or something is bad, wrong, or not important. When you feel contempt, you often look down on that person or thing and do not respect them. It is stronger than just dislike; it shows a lack of respect and sometimes anger.
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⚡ See It in Action
Strong feeling of disrespect or dislike toward a person or thing
- •She looked at him with contempt after he lied.
- •His contempt for cheating was clear in his words.
- •The judge showed contempt for the dishonest witness.
Legal meaning: disrespect or disobedience toward a court or official (less common)
- •The lawyer was held in contempt of court for interrupting the judge.
- •Contempt of court can lead to fines or jail time.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "contempt" like "dislike" (A1 word), but much stronger and with disrespect added—like looking down on someone
- ✓Picture someone rolling their eyes or sneering when they see a person they feel contempt for
- ✓It's the feeling when you think someone is behaving very badly or unfairly and you do not want to be near them
- ✓Sounds like "con-TEMPT" → imagine someone trying to "tempt" you, but you feel so bad about them you reject them with strong dislike
- ✓Think of a story where a character feels contempt for a dishonest person who betrayed their trust
- ✓NOT like "hate" (which is strong anger or dislike), contempt includes disrespect and feeling the other is beneath you
- ✓NOT like "disgust" (which is strong dislike often with a feeling of sickness), contempt is more about disrespect and looking down on someone
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Disrespect: lack of respect or courtesy (Use when focusing on rude or impolite behavior)
- •Scorn: strong dislike with mockery or harsh criticism (Use when contempt includes mockery or ridicule)
- •Disdain: feeling that someone or something is unworthy of respect (Use when emphasizing looking down on someone as low or unimportant)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "con-" (together, with) + "tempt" (from Latin temptare, meaning to try or test, but here it means to treat or regard)
- •Etymology: From Latin "contemptus," meaning scorn or disdain
- •Historical development: Used in English from the late 14th century to mean strong disrespect or scorn
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe feelings of disrespect, especially in personal or social situations, and in legal contexts for court disobedience
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can contempt ever be useful or necessary in standing up for your values? Why or why not?
•How do feelings of contempt affect relationships between people or groups?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.She felt contempt ___ the way he treated others unfairly and without kindness.
2.When someone shows contempt, they usually ___ respect or care for that person or thing.
3.Contempt is different from dislike because it includes a strong feeling of ___.
4.In court, a person can be punished for contempt if they ___ the judge's orders.
5.People often show contempt by using ___ facial expressions or ignoring someone.
6.Contempt usually happens when someone believes another person is ___ or dishonest.
7.Unlike simple dislike, contempt often causes people to ___ or avoid others.