Words / B2

k-uh-n-TEMPT/kənˈtempt/

Contempt is a strong feeling that someone or something deserves no respect; also a legal offence (contempt of court): treat with contempt; contempt of court. Scorn is a close twin; hate is broader. Contempt of court featured in the reporting restriction. Mix-up: content (already in the dictionary); attempt. Do not write contempt for mild disagreement.

Meaning

A strong feeling that someone or something deserves no respect; also a legal offence (contempt of court).

Examples

• “Contempt of court featured in the reporting restriction, the source said.”
• “The tone treats the claim with contempt, which is the scorn sense in the language paper.”

Good to know

contempt for / of; treat with contempt; contempt of court. Close: scorn. Trap: content / attempt. News, law, and literature. Strong scorn, or a court offence — specify.

Near in meaning

scorn

New