contemn
to treat or regard with disdain, scorn, or contempt.
Origin of contemn
1Other words for contemn
Other words from contemn
- con·temn·er [kuhn-tem-er, -tem-ner], /kənˈtɛm ər, -ˈtɛm nər/, con·tem·nor [kuhn-tem-ner], /kənˈtɛm nər/, noun
- con·tem·ni·ble [kuhn-tem-nuh-buhl], /kənˈtɛm nə bəl/, adjective
- con·tem·ni·bly, adverb
- con·temn·ing·ly, adverb
- pre·con·temn, verb (used with object)
- un·con·temned, adjective
- un·con·temn·ing, adjective
- un·con·temn·ing·ly, adverb
Words that may be confused with contemn
- condemn, contemn
Words Nearby contemn
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use contemn in a sentence
What we seriously object to and actively contemn—yea, bitterly denounce—is the nose of her.
The Fiend's Delight | Dod GrileWe covet superfluous things, when it were more honour for us if we would contemn necessary.
Discoveries Made Upon Men and Matter | Ben JonsonTo refuse "the reconciliation" is to contemn the death in which the Sinless One was made sin on our behalf.
Expositor's Bible: The Second Epistle to the Corinthians | James DenneyCrafty men contemn studies; simple men admire them; and wise men use them.
The History, Theory, and Practice of Illuminating | M. Digby WyattWherefore we are asked two things—to contemn the Jew and accept the symphony as a manifestation of tremendous genius.
Richard Wagner | John F. Runciman
British Dictionary definitions for contemn
/ (kənˈtɛm) /
(tr) formal to treat or regard with contempt; scorn
Origin of contemn
1Derived forms of contemn
- contemner (kənˈtɛmnə, -ˈtɛmə), noun
- contemnible (kənˈtɛmnɪbəl), adjective
- contemnibly, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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