ENGLISH
REFERENCE

contempt

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced Oxford US //kənˈtɛmpt// UK //kəntˈɛmpt// con·tempt

n. a strong feeling that someone or something is worthless and does not deserve any respect. In a courtroom, it also means showing a lack of respect for the judge or the rules.

n. the feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn. In a legal context, it refers to willful disobedience or open disrespect toward a court of law or its officers.


SIMPLE

He looked at the messy room with contempt.

CONTEXTUAL

The witness was held in contempt after repeatedly refusing to answer the prosecutor's questions.

COMPLEX

Her deep-seated contempt for the political establishment was evident in every speech she gave, as she dismissed their proposals as mere theater for the masses.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin contemptus (“scorn”), from contemnō (“I scorn, despise”), from com- + temnō (“I despise”). Displaced native Old English forsewennes.

Usage

Often paired with the preposition 'for' ('contempt for the law') or used in the legal phrase 'in contempt of court'.

Pitfall

he has contempt to his bosshe has contempt for his bossThe noun contempt typically takes the preposition 'for' when directed at a person or entity.

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