Despise Definition & Meaning

despise
verb
  1. look down on with disdain; "He despises the people he has to work for"; "The professor scorns the students who don't catch on immediately"

"Despise" in song lyrics

See how despise is used in real songs:

  • "So many things about myself that I despise"
    Lily Allen — Cheryl Tweedy *
  • "So many things about my life that I despise"
    Lily Allen — Cheryl Tweedy *
  • "So many things that I despise"
    Lily Allen — Cheryl Tweedy *

Usage tips for "despise"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "despise" 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 despise to find words that pair well.

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