contemn
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of contemn
1375–1425; late Middle English contempnen (< Middle French ) < Latin contemnere to despise, scorn, equivalent to con- con- + temnere to slight; see contempt
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Did not William Blake contemn reason and paint the ghost of a flea?"
From Time Magazine Archive
When we stand upon life's brink we can afford to contemn the foolish lapping of the waves.
From My Lords of Strogue Vol. III, (of III) A Chronicle of Ireland, from the Convention to the Union by Lewis Wingfield
Poor thou marriedst my Louise; I therefore believe thou dost love her; and let not the remembrance of her mother ever induce thee to slight or contemn her.
From The Mysterious Wanderer, Vol. III A Novel in Three Volumes by Sophia Reeve
"If you contemn my thanks, then I, poor orphan, have no other way to show my gratitude."
From With Fire and Sword An Historical Novel of Poland and Russia. by Henryk Sienkiewicz
Speaking contemptuously of him, I but contemn nothing.
From Satires And Profanities by G. W. (George William) Foote
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
