contemn

verb con·temn \ kən-ˈtem \

|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

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Examples: contemn in a Sentence

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Definition of contemn

contemned; contemning; contemns

transitive verb

: to view or treat with contempt : scorn

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contemner

or less commonly contemnor play \kən-ˈtem-nər, -ˈte-mər\ noun

contemn was our Word of the Day on 08/20/2009. Hear the podcast!

Examples of contemn in a Sentence

arrogant critics who contemn the general public's taste in art

Recent Examples of contemn from the Web

Consequently, the Sadrists were contemned and discounted by Iraq’s liberal elite who form the core of the ICP.

— benedict robin, Washington Post, "Why everyone failed to predict the leftist-Islamist alliance that won Iraq’s 2018 elections," 7 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'contemn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

Contemn is derived from the Latin verb contemnere, a word formed by combining con- and temnere ("to despise"). Surprisingly, our verb may have come within a hair's breadth of being spelled "contempn." The Middle French word contempner arrived in Middle English as "contempnen," but that extra "p" disappeared, leaving us with "contemn." You may be wondering about the connection between "contemn" and "contempt," and not surprisingly, they are related. "Contempt" comes from Latin contemptus, which comes from "contemnere." "Contemn" first turned up in print in the 15th century; "contempt" dates from the 14th century.

Origin and Etymology of contemn

Middle English contempnen, from Middle French contempner, from Latin contemnere, from com- + temnere to despise

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First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined above

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contemn Synonyms

Phrases

look down one's nose (at), sneeze at, thumb one's nose (at), walk over;

Synonym Discussion of contemn

despise, contemn, scorn, disdain mean to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration. despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.