DictionaryAI

contempt

noun
kuhn-TEMPT/kənˈtɛmpt/

Pluralcontempts (some meanings)

4 meanings of contempt

Practice

  1. 1
    scornnoununcountable
    A strong feeling that someone or something is worthless and deserves no respect.

    Like looking down on someone from a high place because you think they are below you.

    She looked at the cheater with contempt and walked away.

    His contempt for liars was easy to hear in his voice.

    UsageSay contempt for someone, or treat someone with contempt.

    Similarscorn, disdain, derision, disrespect, condescension

    Oppositerespect, admiration, esteem, regard

    Note
  2. 2
    court offensenouncountable or uncountable
    Refusing to obey a court or lawmakers, or showing them open disrespect, for example by shouting at a judge.

    Like a student who breaks the classroom rules and gets punished by the teacher.

    The judge held the man in contempt for shouting at her in court.

    Lawmakers said the official was in contempt because he would not hand over the documents.

    UsageSay held in contempt or contempt of court.

    Note
  3. 3
    disgracenouncountable or uncountable
    The condition of being hated or no longer respected by other people.

    His lies brought the whole team into public contempt.

    After the scandal, the mayor was held in contempt by the whole town.

    Similardisgrace, dishonor, disrepute, shame, ignominy

    Oppositehonor, esteem, respect

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    noun
    Short for contempt factor. A setting in chess programs that controls how much the computer tries to avoid draws.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of contempt apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Latin contemptus meaning "scorn," from the verb contemnō, "I despise."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts