contemn
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived 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
"I do not contemn them," said he, with growing emphasis; "but for such favor I wish to perform true and enduring service, and I only beg you to accept me for that service."
From With Fire and Sword An Historical Novel of Poland and Russia. by Sienkiewicz, Henryk
Crafty men contemn them, wise men use them, simple men admire them; for they teach not their own use, but that there is a wisdom without them and above them won by observation.
From The World's Best Books : A Key to the Treasures of Literature by Parsons, Frank
"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 Sienkiewicz, Henryk
One does not contemn Calne on account of its misfortunes, but it must always have been a slipshod place.
From The Bath Road History, Fashion, & Frivolity on an Old Highway by Harper, Charles G. (Charles George)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
