Contempt Definition & Meaning

contempt
noun
  1. lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike; "he was held in contempt"; "the despite in which outsiders were held is legendary"
  2. a manner that is generally disrespectful and contemptuous
  3. open disrespect for a person or thing
  4. a willful disobedience to or disrespect for the authority of a court or legislative body

"Contempt" in song lyrics

See how contempt is used in real songs:

  • "And that they should love their enemies when faced with contempt"
    Paris — Evil
  • "Flashing teams with contempt"
    Swollen Members f/ DJ Babu — Too Hot
  • "Yeah! I got nothing but a lot of resent and an utter contempt"
    Vents — Five Minutes to Midnight

Usage tips for "contempt"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "contempt" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for contempt to find words that pair well.

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