Contempts

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The various feelings of disdain or scorn that individuals express toward others or situations highlight a lack of respect or valuation in social contexts
2. Disrespectful attitudes and feelings that reflect an individual’s strong disapproval or scorn for people, actions, or beliefs deemed inferior or unacceptable are common in societal interactions
3. Intense feelings where someone regards others or certain matters as unworthy or beneath consideration

Etymology: "Contempts" is the plural of "contempt," so its history is that of the singular noun. English took "contempt" from Latin "contemptus," meaning "scorn," which came from the verb "contemnere," "to scorn or despise." That verb was built from "com-," an intensifying prefix, and "temnere," "to despise." Old English had its own word for the idea, "forsewennes," which "contempt" displaced. The Latin verb's roots point to a sense of looking down on something, treating it as not worth regarding. The plural "contempts" keeps that sense in its own way, naming separate acts or instances of scorn rather than the general feeling.

Synonyms: disdains, scorns, derisions, disrespect, disdain

Antonyms: respect, admiration, honor, regard, esteem