disdain
dihs-DAYN
Disdain (noun) means a feeling of contempt or scorn toward someone or something seen as beneath you. Example: “He looked at the offer with obvious disdain.”
noun
1
A feeling of contempt or scorn toward someone or something seen as beneath you.
"He looked at the offer with obvious disdain."
"Her disdain for gossip was well known at the office."
verb
1
To treat someone or something with scorn, as not worth your attention.
"She disdained to answer such a rude question."
How to use disdain
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLooking down on someone or something as unworthy of respect.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with the archaic spelling "distain" (to stain or discolor) — modern English only uses "disdain" for scorn.
Easily confused with
distain
contempt →
Common pairings
treat with disdain
disdain for
look on with disdain
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like disdain.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- disdains
- Past tense
- disdained
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He looked at the offer with obvious _____.
Etymology
From Old French desdeignier, ultimately from Latin dignus ("worthy") with a negating prefix — literally "to consider unworthy."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for disdain
See all rhymes for disdain →Frequently asked questions
What does “disdain” mean?
The word “disdain” means a feeling of contempt or scorn toward someone or something seen as beneath you. In plain terms, looking down on someone or something as unworthy of respect.
How do you pronounce “disdain”?
“Disdain” is pronounced dihs-DAYN (/dɪsˈdeɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “disdain” in a sentence?
Here is “disdain” used in a sentence: “He looked at the offer with obvious disdain.”
What is another word for “disdain”?
Words with a similar meaning to “disdain” include abomination, condescension, contempt, despisal, scorn and abominate.
What is the opposite of “disdain”?
The opposite of “disdain” — its antonyms — are adoration, admiration, honor, respect and reverence.
What part of speech is “disdain”?
Depending on how it is used, “disdain” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “disdain” come from?
The word “disdain” comes from Latin. From Old French desdeignier, ultimately from Latin dignus ("worthy") with a negating prefix — literally "to consider unworthy.".
Is “disdain” a common word?
“Disdain” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
