Word
despised
Phoneticsde·spised, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈspaɪzd/
UK/dɪspˈaɪzd/
Definition
adj. hated very much or looked down on by others. You use this to describe someone or something that people think is worthless or bad.
adj. regarded with deep contempt or intense dislike. Often used as a participial adjective to describe a person, group, or object that is socially or morally rejected.
Examples
“The despised leader finally left the country.”
“He went from being a despised outsider to the most popular member of the team.”
“The once despised architectural style underwent a critical re-evaluation, eventually becoming a celebrated symbol of the city's mid-century heritage.”
Examples
simple
“The despised leader finally left the country.”
contextual
“He went from being a despised outsider to the most popular member of the team.”
complex
“The once despised architectural style underwent a critical re-evaluation, eventually becoming a celebrated symbol of the city's mid-century heritage.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel' or 'become', or attributively before a noun.
Pitfall
He was despise by everyone
He was despised by everyone
When used as an adjective or in the passive voice, the word must take the '-ed' ending.
Real-World Examples
“Naturally there has long been an interest in understanding why the Cagots were such a despised minority.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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