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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.

Use "despise" in a verse

Now that you know what "despise" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

Generate a verse

Frequently asked questions

What does despise mean?
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"
What part of speech is despise?
Despise is a verb.

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