contempt
A strong feeling that someone or something is worthless.
contempt in a sentence
- The proud chef looked at the burnt toast with utter contempt.
- The cat gazed at the brand-new dog with contempt, then turned back to her cushion as if he were nothing.
Try an 11+ style question
Verbal reasoning papers often ask about a word like this.
Which word is closest in meaning to contempt?
- Alove
- Badmiration
- Crespect
- Dscorn
Show the answer
D: scorn. The other three mean the opposite of contempt.
Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to contempt?
- Ascorn
- Bdislike
- Cdisgust
- Drespect
Show the answer
D: respect. The other three mean nearly the same as contempt.
Words that mean something similar
scorn, disgust, dislike
Words that mean the opposite
respect, admiration, love
More words about emotions & feelings
- content: Happy and satisfied with what you have.
- covet: To badly want something that belongs to someone else.
- crestfallen: Sad and disappointed after something has gone wrong.
- cringe: To shrink back or squirm because something is scary or embarrassing.
- daunting: So difficult or scary that it makes you unsure you can manage it.
- dejected: Feeling sad and without hope.
- despair: The feeling of losing all hope.
- despise: To dislike someone or something very strongly.
More words to explore
Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?
Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test