Contempt

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /kənˈtɛmpt/

Definitions

1. A feeling of scorn or disdain toward someone or something considered worthless or beneath one's dignity
2. a strong feeling of disgust and disrespect directed toward someone or something deemed unworthy
3. an intense emotion combining scorn and disapproval felt when regarding a person or thing as inferior

Etymology: The sense of disdain or scorn now tied to this word stretches back to Latin, where "contemptus" meant a feeling of scorn or disregard. This Latin noun comes from the verb "contemnere," which combines "con-" (a prefix emphasizing the action) with "temnere," meaning "to despise" or "to slight." The verb itself carries a forceful sense of rejecting or holding something in low esteem. This Latin root "temnere" is somewhat rare in classical texts but clearly conveys a strong emotional judgment—looking down on someone or something as unworthy. From there, the word passed into Old French as "contemt," carrying over the idea of disdain or scorn, before eventually entering English in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century. In English, the term initially kept much of its original sense of a strong negative feeling toward a person or thing regarded as despicable or beneath consideration. Over time, it took on legal and philosophical nuances as well, becoming a formal term for willful disrespect or disobedience, especially in court settings ("contempt of court"). This usage reflects the original idea of dismissing authority or social norms with disdain. Though its core meaning has remained remarkably stable, the word’s association with both personal emotion and formal censure highlights its dual life: both a raw feeling and a recognized offense. The evolution from a Latin verb expressing rejection to a noun encapsulating the emotion and act of scorn illustrates the way language can preserve both action and attitude in a single term.

Synonyms: disdain, scorn, disrespect

Antonyms: respect, admiration, esteem