contempt
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
How often you will meet it
Rank 2,149 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 8,215 times across 175,112 chapters — 0.004% of every word in the library.
What it means
noun
- lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike also: disdain, scorn, despite he was held in contemptthe despite in which outsiders were held is legendary
- a manner that is generally disrespectful and contemptuous also: disrespect
- open disrespect for a person or thing also: scorn
- a willful disobedience to or disrespect for the authority of a court or legislative body
contempt in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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The boy regarded him with infinite contempt.
The City of Fire · Grace Livingston Hill · Chapter 1
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I can hear William’s tone of utter contempt and disgust.
The Two Sides of the Shield · Charlotte M. (Charlotte Mary) Yonge · Chapter 1
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I can never feel anything towards you but hate and contempt.’
The Yellow Fairy Book: The Grateful Beasts · World Traditions (Celtic, Norse, Asian & Persian) · Chapter 1
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The words were spoken with undisguised contempt of tone and manner.
Man and Wife · Wilkie Collins · Chapter 1
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He will also speak with infinite contempt of those who "crane" or stick to the roads.
Punch — Volume 99, August 16, 1890 · Various · Chapter 1