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Contemptible vs Contemptuous - What's the difference?

contemptible | contemptuous |

As adjectives the difference between contemptible and contemptuous

is that contemptible is deserving contempt while contemptuous is showing contempt; expressing disdain; showing a lack of respect.

contemptible

English

Alternative forms

* contemptable

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • deserving contempt
  • * {{quote-book
    • , year=between 1812 and 1814 , author= , title= , chapter=1 , passage=Miss Ward’s match, indeed, when it came to the point, was not contemptible : Sir Thomas being happily able to give his friend an income in the living of Mansfield...}}

    Synonyms

    * despicable

    contemptuous

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Showing contempt; expressing disdain; showing a lack of respect.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1922, author=(Ben Travers)
    • , chapter=5, title= A Cuckoo in the Nest , passage=The most rapid and most seductive transition in all human nature is that which attends the palliation of a ravenous appetite.

    Derived terms

    * contemptuously

    Related terms

    * contempt