Definition

1. Verb:
   • To feel contempt for, to scorn: To regard someone or something as unworthy, inferior, or despicable, often accompanied by a feeling of superiority and disrespect.
   • To look down upon, to disdain: To treat or consider with a lack of respect and a sense of moral or social superiority.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hắn khinh dể những người nghèo khó. (He scorns the poor.)
  • Đừng khinh dể bất kỳ ai. (Do not look down upon anyone.)
  • Thái độ khinh dể của cô ấy thật khó chịu. (Her contemptuous attitude is very unpleasant.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "khinh dể" often carries a strong moral judgment and implies a conscious, active feeling of contempt, not merely passive disregard. It is more severe than simply ignoring someone.

Variants and Related Words

• Khinh (v): to despise, to belittle (often used in compounds; can be slightly less severe than "khinh dể").
• Khinh thường (v): to scorn, to disdain (a very close synonym to "khinh dể").
• Coi thường (v): to look down on, to disregard (a more common, slightly less formal synonym).

Synonyms

• Scorn: To feel or express contempt or derision.
• Despise: To feel a strong, often moral, dislike and lack of respect.
• Disdain: To consider unworthy of one's respect or concern.
• Look down on: To regard with a feeling of superiority.

Related Idioms

• Khinh dể của người là sự tổn thương lớn: The scorn of others is a great injury. (Highlights the damaging effect of contempt.)
• While not a fixed idiom, the phrase "khinh dể miệt thị" is sometimes used for emphasis, meaning "to scorn and vilify."

1. Feel contempt for, scorn