contemn

[ kuhn-tem ]

verb (used with object)

1. to treat or regard with disdain, scorn, or contempt.

   Synonyms: despise, disdain, scorn

contemn

/ kənˈtɛmnə; kənˈtɛmnɪbəl; -ˈtɛmə; kənˈtɛm /

verb

1. formal.
   tr to treat or regard with contempt; scorn

Derived Forms

• conˈtemnibly, adverb
• contemnible, adjective
• contemner, noun

Other Words From

• con·temn·er [k, uh, n-, tem, -er, -, tem, -ner], con·tem·nor [k, uh, n-, tem, -ner], noun
• con·tem·ni·ble [k, uh, n-, tem, -n, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• con·temni·bly adverb
• con·temning·ly adverb
• precon·temn verb (used with object)
• uncon·temned adjective
• uncon·temning adjective
• uncon·temning·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of contemn¹

1375–1425; late Middle English contempnen (< Middle French ) < Latin contemnere to despise, scorn, equivalent to con- con- + temnere to slight; contempt

Word History and Origins

Origin of contemn¹

C15: from Latin contemnere, from temnere to slight

Example Sentences

What we seriously object to and actively contemn—yea, bitterly denounce—is the nose of her.

From Project Gutenberg

We covet superfluous things, when it were more honour for us if we would contemn necessary.

From Project Gutenberg

To refuse "the reconciliation" is to contemn the death in which the Sinless One was made sin on our behalf.

From Project Gutenberg

Crafty men contemn studies; simple men admire them; and wise men use them.

From Project Gutenberg

Wherefore we are asked two things—to contemn the Jew and accept the symphony as a manifestation of tremendous genius.

From Project Gutenberg