Words / C1

dis-DAYN/dɪsˈdeɪn/

Disdain is a feeling that someone or something is beneath respect: speak with disdain, treat an idea with disdain. Contempt is stronger; looking down on is the everyday paraphrase. As a verb, to disdain something is slightly literary (she disdained small talk), and disdainful is the adjective. In speech, they looked down on it is more natural — do not use disdain for mild dislike.

Meaning

A feeling that someone or something is not worth respect.

Examples

• “He spoke of the idea with disdain.”
• “He mentioned group work with open disdain.”
• “Her disdain for marketing slogans made the meeting short.”

Good to know

with disdain. Stronger: contempt. Verb: disdain (literary). Everyday: looking down on. Adjective: disdainful.

Near in meaning

contempt

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