noun

contempt

kuhn-TEMPT

Contempt (noun) means a feeling that someone or something is beneath consideration, worthless or deserving of scorn. Example: “She looked at the offer with open contempt.”

noun

A feeling that someone or something is beneath consideration, worthless or deserving of scorn.

"She looked at the offer with open contempt."

technical The offence of disobeying or disrespecting a court of law, or obstructing its work.

"He was held in contempt for refusing to answer."

How to use contempt

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThinking someone or something is worthless or beneath you.

Easily confused with

disdain → disgust →

Common pairings

open contempt contempt of court beneath contempt

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She looked at the offer with open _____.

Etymology

From Latin "contemptus," from "contemnere," to scorn or despise.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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scorn disdain derision

Antonyms

admiration respect

Related words

respect wonder honor prize regard honour ridiculous appreciation

Frequently asked questions

What does contempt mean?

Regarding someone or something as worthless or beneath you. It is stronger than dislike — it carries a sense of looking down from above.

What is contempt of court?

A legal offence covering behaviour that defies or obstructs a court: refusing a lawful order, disrupting proceedings, or publishing material that prejudices a case. It can be punished with a fine or imprisonment.

What is the meaning of contempt?

"contempt" (noun) means a feeling that someone or something is beneath consideration, worthless or deserving of scorn.

What is another word for contempt?

Other words for "contempt" include scorn, disdain, derision.

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respect wonder honor prize regard honour ridiculous appreciation