Definition

Noun: 1. The feeling that a person or a thing is worthless or beneath consideration; scorn. This is the most common meaning, describing a strong feeling of disapproval and lack of respect. 2. (Law) Willful disobedience to or open disrespect for the rules or orders of a court (or legislative body). This is a specific legal term for an offense against the authority or dignity of a court.

Usage

Contempt is an uncountable noun. It describes a powerful negative emotion or a formal legal status. It is often used with prepositions like for, of, and in.

Examples

1. General Meaning (Scorn):
   • She looked at the dishonest salesman with utter contempt.
   • He has a deep contempt for people who lie.
   • The corrupt official was held in contempt by the entire community.
2. Legal Meaning (Disobedience):
   • The witness was found in contempt of court for refusing to answer the judge's questions.
   • The committee voted to hold the director in contempt for failing to provide the required documents.

Advanced Usage

• Breed contempt: This phrase comes from the proverb "Familiarity breeds contempt," meaning that knowing someone or something very well can lead to a loss of respect.
  • Working together so closely, they found that familiarity began to breed contempt.
• Beneath contempt: Used to describe something so bad it is not even worthy of scorn.
  • His cruel actions were beneath contempt.

Variants and Related Words

• Contemptible (adjective): Deserving contempt; despicable.
  • His behavior was contemptible.
• Contemptuous (adjective): Showing contempt; scornful.
  • She gave him a contemptuous glance.

Synonyms

• Scorn: A feeling of profound disrespect.
• Disdain: The feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect.
• Disrespect: Lack of respect or courtesy.

Idioms and Phrases

• Hold someone/something in contempt: To feel or show a lack of respect for someone or something.
  • The tyrant was held in contempt by his people.
• Contempt of court: The offense of being disobedient or disrespectful to a court of law.
• Familiarity breeds contempt: (Proverb) Extensive knowledge of or close association with someone or something leads to a loss of respect for them.

Noun

1. a willful disobedience to or disrespect for the authority of a court or legislative body
2. open disrespect for a person or thing
3. a manner that is generally disrespectful and contemptuous
4. lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
   • he was held in contempt
   • the despite in which outsiders were held is legendary