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more about contemn
contemn |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Contemn \Con*temn"\ (k[o^]n*t[e^]m"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Contemned} (-t[e^]md); p. pr & vb n. {Contemning} (-t[e^]m"n[i^]ng or -t[e^]m"[i^]ng).] [L. contemnere, -temptum; con- + temnere to slight, despise: cf OF contemner.] To view or treat with contempt, as mean and despicable; to reject with disdain; to despise; to scorn. Thy pompous delicacies I contemn. --Milton. One who contemned divine and human laws. --Dryden. Syn: To despise; scorn; disdain; spurn; slight; neglect; underrate; overlook. Usage: To {Contemn}, {Despise}, {Scorn}, {Disdain}. Contemn is the generic term, and is applied especially to objects, qualities, etc., which are deemed contemptible, and but rarely to individuals; to despise is to regard or treat as mean unbecoming, or worthless; to scorn is stronger, expressing a quick, indignant contempt; disdain is still stronger, denoting either unwarrantable pride and haughtiness or an abhorrence of what is base. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: contemn v : look down on with disdain; "He despises the people he has to work for"; "The professor scorns the students who don't catch on immediately" [syn: {despise}, {scorn}, {disdain}]
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