Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

contemn

[kuhn-tem] / kənˈtɛm /
VERB
despise
Synonyms
Antonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Did not William Blake contemn reason and paint the ghost of a flea?"

From Time Magazine Archive

We must contemn all the vile, that are not under a relation to be honoured, and these also that are in that relation, in so far as they are vile.

From A Hind Let Loose Or, An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland for the Interest of Christ. With the True State Thereof in All Its Periods by Shields, Alexander

If we contemn what others admire, we make ourselves odious; if we admire what they despise, we are equally ridiculous.

From Winterslow Essays and Characters Written There by Hazlitt, William

When we stand upon life's brink we can afford to contemn the foolish lapping of the waves.

From My Lords of Strogue Vol. III, (of III) A Chronicle of Ireland, from the Convention to the Union by Wingfield, Lewis

"We can scarcely contemn the hardihood of a Government that has made Crofton a bishop, and Hawes a general," said Helen, with a flashing eye and a lip curled in superciliousness.

From The Knight Of Gwynne, Vol. I (of II) by Lever, Charles James




Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "contemn" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com