Contempt — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /kən-ˈtem(p)t/ con·tempt

Meaning & Definition of Contempt

Contempt (noun)

  1. a feeling of intense dislike for someone or something regarded as unworthy of respect or approval, disdain
  2. unusual or inappropriate lack of fear or reverence for something
  3. the state of being despised, disgrace

Contempt (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect

    "my undying contempt for people who abuse animals"

    similar: contemptuousness, despisement, despite, despitefulness, disdain, misprision, scorn
    related: abhorrence, abomination, detestation, execration, hate, hatred, loathing, lovelessness, cattiness, hatefulness, invidiousness, malevolence, malice, maliciousness, malignancy, malignity, meanness, spite, spitefulness, aversion, disgust, distaste, horror, odium, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion, animosity, antagonism, antipathy, bitterness, enmity, gall, grudge, hostility, jealousy, pique, resentment, bile, jaundice, rancor, spleen, venom, vindictiveness, virulence, vitriol, aspersion, belittlement, deprecation, depreciation, detraction, diminishment, disparagement, derision, mockery, ridicule, abuse, invective, vituperation, censure, condemnation, denunciation
    opposite: admiration, esteem, estimation, favor, regard, respect
    near: acceptance, tolerance, adoration, adulation, deference, deification, glorification, idolatry, idolization, lionization, reverence, veneration, worship, affection, fancy, fondness, liking, love

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Contempt

The most common words with a similar meaning to Contempt:

contemptuousness, despisement, despite, despitefulness, disdain, misprision, scorn

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Contempt

Words with the opposite meaning of Contempt:

admiration, esteem, estimation, favor, regard, respect

Related Words for Contempt

abhorrence, abomination, detestation, execration, hate, hatred, loathing, lovelessness, cattiness, hatefulness, invidiousness, malevolence, malice, maliciousness, malignancy, malignity, meanness, spite, spitefulness, aversion, disgust, distaste, horror, odium, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion, animosity, antagonism, antipathy

Near Antonyms of Contempt

acceptance, tolerance, adoration, adulation, deference, deification, glorification, idolatry, idolization, lionization, reverence, veneration, worship, affection, fancy, fondness, liking, love

Origin & Etymology of Contempt

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin contemptus, from contemnere "to look down on, show no respect for, despise" + -tus, suffix of action nouns (with loss of n and intrusive p)contemn

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Contempt

Words & Phrases Containing Contempt

in contempt, self-contempt, beneath contempt, figure of contempt, held in contempt

Frequently Asked Questions about Contempt

What does "Contempt" mean?

"Contempt" means a feeling of intense dislike for someone or something regarded as unworthy of respect or approval, disdain. As a noun, it is defined as: a feeling of intense dislike for someone or something regarded as unworthy of respect or approval, disdain.

What is another word for "Contempt"?

Other words for "Contempt" include contemptuousness, despisement, despite, despitefulness, disdain, misprision and scorn. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Contempt" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Contempt"?

There are 69 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Contempt". Common alternatives include contemptuousness, despisement, despite, despitefulness, disdain, misprision and scorn.

What is the opposite of "Contempt"?

Antonyms of "Contempt" include admiration, esteem, estimation, favor, regard and respect. Near antonyms include acceptance, tolerance, adoration and adulation.

How do you use "Contempt" in a sentence?

Examples of "Contempt" in a sentence: "my undying contempt for people who abuse animals".

Is "Contempt" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Contempt" is a noun.

Is "Contempt" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Contempt" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Contempt"?

"Contempt" is pronounced /kən-ˈtem(p)t/ and divided into syllables as con·tempt.