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contemn
[ kuhn-tem ]
/ kənˈtɛm /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
to treat or regard with disdain, scorn, or contempt.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of contemn
OTHER WORDS FROM contemn
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH contemn
condemn, contemnWords nearby contemn
contaminate, contamination, contango, contd., conte, contemn, contemp., contemplable, contemplate, contemplating, contemplation
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use contemn in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for contemn
contemn
/ (kənˈtɛm) /
verb
(tr) formal to treat or regard with contempt; scorn
Derived forms of contemn
contemner (kənˈtɛmnə, -ˈtɛmə), nouncontemnible (kənˈtɛmnɪbəl), adjectivecontemnibly, adverbWord Origin for contemn
C15: from Latin contemnere, from temnere to slight
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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