Words / B2

di-SPYZ/dɪˈspaɪz/

To despise is to dislike someone or something strongly because you think they have no worth: despise hypocrisy; despised by. Hate is everyday; despite is a preposition (already in the dictionary) — spelling trap. She despised Friday fire-and-rehire notices. Do not use despise for a mild preference against broccoli.

Meaning

To dislike someone or something strongly because you think they have no value.

Examples

• “She despised the fire-and-rehire notices posted on a Friday.”
• “Despite looks similar but is a preposition, which is a classic trap.”

Good to know

despise someone / something for. Everyday: hate. Trap: despite. Formal and moral tone. Not a food quirk. Comment pieces.

Near in meaning

hate

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