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Reproach vs Contempt - What's the difference?

reproach | contempt |

As nouns the difference between reproach and contempt

is that reproach is a mild rebuke, or an implied criticism while 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 reproach

is to criticize or rebuke someone.

reproach

English

Noun

(reproaches)
  • A mild rebuke, or an implied criticism.
  • * {{quote-book
  • , year=1818 , author=Mary Shelley , title=Frankenstein , chapter=4 citation , passage=My father made no reproach in his letters and only took notice of my science by inquiring into my occupations more particularly than before.}}
  • Disgrace or shame.
  • Verb

  • To criticize or rebuke someone.
  • * Bible, 1 Peter iv. 14
  • if ye be reproached for the name of Christ
  • * Milton
  • That this newcomer, Shame, / There sit not, and reproach us as unclean.
  • * Dryden
  • Mezentius with his ardour warmed / His fainting friends, reproached their shameful flight, / Repelled the victors.
  • To disgrace, or bring shame upon someone.
  • * Shakespeare
  • I thought your marriage fit; else imputation, / For that he knew you, might reproach your life.

    Synonyms

    * (to criticize or rebuke) blame, rebuke, upbraid * (to disgrace) disgrace, dishonor * See also

    Derived terms

    * beyond reproach * reproachful

    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