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Contempt vs Sardonic - What's the difference?

contempt | sardonic |

As a noun contempt

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

As an adjective sardonic is

scornfully mocking or cynical.

contempt

English

(wikipedia 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

    Related terms

    * contemn

    External links

    * * *

    sardonic

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Scornfully mocking or cynical.
    • He distances himself from people with his nasty, sardonic laughter.
  • * Sir H. Wotton
    • strained, sardonic smiles
  • * Burke
    • the scornful, ferocious, sardonic grin of a bloody ruffian
  • Disdainfully or ironically humorous.

    • Related terms

    * Sardonian