disdain

[dis-deyn, dih-steyn]

verb (used with object)

1. to look upon or treat with contempt; despise; scorn.

   Synonyms: spurn, contemn
   Antonyms: accept

2. to think unworthy of notice, response, etc.; consider beneath oneself.

   to disdain replying to an insult.

noun

1. a feeling of contempt for anything regarded as unworthy; haughty contempt; scorn.

   Synonyms: arrogance, haughtiness
   Antonyms: admiration

disdain

/ dɪsˈdeɪn /

noun

1. a feeling or show of superiority and dislike; contempt; scorn

verb

1. (tr; may take an infinitive) to refuse or reject with disdain

Other Word Forms

• self-disdain noun
• undisdaining adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disdain¹

First recorded in 1300–50; (for the verb) Middle English disdainen, from Anglo-French de(s)deigner, equivalent to dis- ¹ + deign; noun derivative of the verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of disdain¹

C13 dedeyne, from Old French desdeign, from desdeigner to reject as unworthy, from Latin dēdignārī; see _dis- ¹ , _deign

Synonym Study

See contempt.

Example Sentences

And don’t worry, the servers won’t look at you with disdain if you ask for separate checks — at least from my experience.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And if you believe part of Oscars’ purpose is to promote the industry and celebrate its achievements, there’s no better time for the academy to get over its traditional disdain for cinematic monstrosities.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

To this day, Cortés and Moctezuma remain figures of both adulation and disdain, recalled in operas, plays, books and films and TV series.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In the course of his research, Mr. Quinones came to admire the independence of tuba players, the way they remain undaunted in the face of the “disdain or indifference” of their peers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But in all three cases, there is some merit to the basic point, worthy of examination and not immediate disdain.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• antipathy 
• arrogance 
• aversion 
• contempt 
• derision 
• dislike 
• hatred 
• pride 
• ridicule 
• scorn