Definition

1. Verb:

   • To slight: To treat someone or something as unimportant or with disrespect; to show a lack of regard.
   • To sneer at: To show contempt or scorn through a facial expression, tone of voice, or remark; to speak about or treat with derision.

2. Verb (extended usage):

   • To look down on: To regard someone or something as inferior or unworthy.
   • To disparage: To belittle or degrade the value or reputation of someone or something.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Họ thường dè bỉu những người nghèo khó. (They often slight the poor.)
  • Đừng dè bỉu ý tưởng của người khác. (Don't sneer at other people's ideas.)
  • Anh ta bị dè bỉu vì xuất thân của mình. (He is looked down on because of his background.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb often implies a persistent or habitual attitude of contempt, not just a single action. It carries a strong negative connotation of arrogance and disrespect from the person who is "dè bỉu."

Variants and Related Words

• Khinh bỉ (v): To despise, to hold in contempt. This is a stronger, more profound feeling of scorn.
  • Hắn khinh bỉ những kẻ nịnh hót. (He despises flatterers.)
• Coi thường (v): To look down on, to disregard. This is a more general term for disrespect.
  • Cô ấy cảm thấy bị coi thường. (She feels looked down upon.)

Synonyms

• Belittle: To make someone or something seem less impressive or important.
• Scorn: To feel or express contempt or derision for.
• Disdain: To consider someone or something unworthy of one's respect.

Related Idioms

• Dè bỉu, chê bai: To sneer at and criticize. This phrase emphasizes both the contemptuous attitude and the act of vocal criticism.
  • Suốt ngày chỉ biết dè bỉu, chê bai người khác. (All day long, he only knows how to sneer at and criticize others.)

1. slight, sneer at