Reading Theme:
Contempt: Definition, Usage & Legal Meaning Explained (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：feeling of scorn (contempt)
contempt
/kənˈtempt/
n.
the feeling of looking down on someone, thinking they are bad or unworthy, mixed with disgust and a sense of being better than them.
feeling of scorn
➕
/ˈfiːlɪŋ əv skɔːrn/
n.
A profound feeling of disdain and moral superiority towards someone or something considered inferior or worthless.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin ‘contemnere’ (com- ‘together’ + temnere ‘to despise’).
💡 Mnemonic
Con-tempt: Your condescending thoughts tempt you to look down on others.
📖 Example
She couldn't hide her contempt for the student who had cheated on the exam, turning away without saying a word.
She was unable to conceal her scorn for the student who had cheated, turning her back in silence.
🔗 Collocations
utter contempt – complete and total disdain
hold in contempt – to regard someone with scorn
contempt for authority – scornful disregard for those in power
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
respect (n.) – A feeling of deep admiration for someone elicited by their qualities or achievements.
admiration (n.) – Respect and warm approval.
🌱 Derivatives
contemptible (adj.) – Deserving contempt; despicable.
contemptuous (adj.) – Showing contempt; scornful.
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from the Latin ‘contemnere’, meaning ‘to scorn or despise’, the word evolved through Old French. In modern Anglo-American law, ‘contempt of court’ is a specific offense for disobedience or disrespect towards judicial authority.
Meaning 2：disregard for authority (contempt)
contempt
/kənˈtempt/
n.
the act of openly showing no respect for the rules, authority, or a court of law, which can be an offense itself.
disregard for authority
➕
/dɪsˈrɪɡɑːrd fɔːr ɔːˈθɒrəti/
n.
The offense of willfully disobeying or showing open disrespect for the rules or dignity of a court of law or legislative body.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The witness was found in contempt of court for repeatedly refusing to answer the judge's questions.
The witness was judged guilty of disobeying the court's authority by consistently declining to respond to the judge.
🔗 Collocations
contempt of court – the offense of disobeying or disrespecting a court
be held in contempt – to be judged guilty of showing disrespect to a court or legislature
civil contempt – contempt involving failure to follow a court order, typically to compel compliance
🔄 Synonyms
defiance (n.) – Open resistance or bold disobedience.
disobedience (n.) – Failure or refusal to obey rules or someone in authority.
insubordination (n.) – Defiance of authority; refusal to obey orders.
🚫 Antonyms
compliance (n.) – The action or fact of complying with a wish or command.
obedience (n.) – Compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another's authority.
Wordbook
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