Disdain — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /dis-ˈdān/ dis·dain

Meaning & Definition of Disdain

Disdain (noun)

  1. a feeling of contempt for someone or something regarded as unworthy or inferior, scorn

Disdain (verb)

  1. to look on (someone or something) with scorn or contempt
  2. to be unwilling because of disdain —used with a following infinitive

Disdain (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

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

    "showing undisguised disdain for the other employees"

    similar: contempt, contemptuousness, despisement, despite, despitefulness, 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

Disdain (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to show contempt for

    "disdained the deserter as a coward"

    similar: contemn, dis (slang), disrespect, high-hat, look down (on or upon), scorn, slight, sniff (at), snoot, snub, look down one's nose (at), sneeze at, thumb one's nose (at), walk over
    related: scout, abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate, loathe, belittle, deplore, deprecate, disparage, disapprove (of), discountenance, disfavor, frown (on or upon)
    opposite: honor, respect
    near: cherish, prize, treasure, value, admire, esteem, lionize, hallow, revere, venerate, worship, accept, appreciate, approve (of), care (for), countenance, favor, OK, subscribe (to)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Disdain

The most common words with a similar meaning to Disdain:

Slang: dis
contempt, contemptuousness, despisement, despite, despitefulness, misprision, scorn, contemn, disrespect, high-hat, look down (on or upon), slight, sniff (at), snoot, snub, look down one's nose (at), sneeze at, thumb one's nose (at), walk over

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Disdain

Words with the opposite meaning of Disdain:

admiration, esteem, estimation, favor, regard, respect, honor

Related Words for Disdain

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 Disdain

acceptance, tolerance, adoration, adulation, deference, deification, glorification, idolatry, idolization, lionization, reverence, veneration, worship, affection, fancy, fondness, liking, love, cherish, prize, treasure, value, admire, lionize, hallow, revere, venerate, accept, appreciate, approve (of)

Word Forms of Disdain

Inflections: disdained, disdaining, disdains

Origin & Etymology of Disdain

Middle English desdeyne, from Anglo-French desdaign, from desdeigner see disdain:2

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Disdain

Frequently Asked Questions about Disdain

What does "Disdain" mean?

"Disdain" means a feeling of contempt for someone or something regarded as unworthy or inferior, scorn. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a feeling of contempt for someone or something regarded as unworthy or inferior, scorn. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Disdain"?

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

What are different ways to say "Disdain"?

There are 97 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Disdain". Common alternatives include contempt, contemptuousness, despisement, despite, despitefulness, misprision, scorn, contemn, dis and disrespect.

What is the opposite of "Disdain"?

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

How do you use "Disdain" in a sentence?

Examples of "Disdain" in a sentence: "showing undisguised disdain for the other employees"; "disdained the deserter as a coward".

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

"Disdain" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

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

As a C2-level word, "Disdain" 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 "Disdain"?

"Disdain" is pronounced /dis-ˈdān/ and divided into syllables as dis·dain.