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Contempt vs Despise - What's the difference?

contempt | despise |

Despise is a derived term of contempt.

Despise is a synonym of contempt.



As a noun contempt

is the state of contemning; the feeling or attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, base, or worthless; scorn, disdain.

As a verb despise is

to regard with contempt or scorn.

contempt

Alternative forms

* (obsolete) * (obsolete)

Noun

(en noun)
  • (uncountable) The state of contemning; the feeling or attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, base, or worthless; scorn, disdain.
  • * , chapter=13
  • , title= The Mirror and the Lamp , passage=And Vickers launched forth into a tirade very different from his platform utterances. He spoke with extreme contempt of the dense stupidity exhibited on all occasions by the working classes. He said that if you wanted to do anything for them, you must rule them, not pamper them.}}
  • The state of being despised or dishonored; disgrace.
  • (legal) Open disrespect or willful disobedience of the authority of a court of law or legislative body.
  • Synonyms

    * See

    Antonyms

    * See

    Derived terms

    * contemptible * contempt of Congress * contempt of court * contempt of Parliament * contemptuous * familiarity breeds contempt

    despise

    English

    Verb

    (despis)
  • To regard with contempt or scorn.
  • Synonyms

    * scorn * See also *contempt

    Antonyms

    * honor * respect * revere

    Derived terms

    * despisal * despicable

    See also

    * vilipend