English Reference
Adjective

despised

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /dɪˈspaɪzd/ UK /dɪspˈaɪzd/ de·spised

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.


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 everyoneHe was despised by everyone

When used as an adjective or in the passive voice, the word must take the '-ed' ending.

Naturally there has long been an interest in understanding why the Cagots were such a despised minority.

JSTOR Daily· 13 May 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated