CONTEMPTIBLE

Definition of CONTEMPTIBLE

CONTEMPTIBLE Adjective

Contemptible is an adjective that describes something or someone deserving of contempt or scorn due to perceived moral or ethical shortcomings. It involves qualities or actions that are regarded as despicable, reprehensible, or worthy of disdain.

Deserving of Contempt: Contemptible characterizes something or someone that evokes feelings of contempt due to moral or ethical deficiencies. For example, “His contemptible behavior during the meeting offended everyone present.” This usage highlights how certain actions or behaviors are viewed as deserving of strong disapproval or scorn.

Moral or Ethical Shortcomings: Contemptible often pertains to actions or qualities that are seen as morally or ethically wrong. For instance, “The politician’s contemptible actions were widely condemned by the public.” This reflects how contemptibility is associated with serious moral failings or unethical conduct.

Impact on Perception: Contemptible influences how individuals or actions are perceived, often leading to negative judgments and social ostracism. For example, “The contemptible nature of the scandal damaged the reputation of those involved.” This shows how being deemed contemptible can affect reputations and social standings.

Use in Discourse: Contemptible is used in discourse to express strong disapproval or criticism of behavior, actions, or individuals. For instance, “The novel portrayed the antagonist as a contemptible figure whose actions were detestable.” This emphasizes the role of contemptibility in narrative and critical assessments.

In conclusion, contemptible is an adjective that describes something or someone deserving of contempt or scorn due to moral or ethical shortcomings. It reflects qualities or actions that are viewed as despicable, reprehensible, or worthy of disdain. Understanding contemptible helps in recognizing its impact on perceptions, judgments, and social interactions, highlighting its role in expressing strong disapproval and criticism.

Examples of CONTEMPTIBLE in a sentence

  • The politician’s contemptible behavior during the debate shocked many of his supporters.
  • His contemptible actions were widely condemned by the community.
  • She found the contemptible treatment of employees in the company to be unethical.
  • The novel portrayed the antagonist as a contemptible figure, embodying all the traits of a villain.
  • The contemptible conduct of the scammers led to severe penalties and public outrage.
  • Many considered the betrayal of a close friend to be a contemptible act of dishonesty.
  • The contemptible remarks made by the speaker were met with disapproval from the audience.
  • His contemptible attempt to manipulate others for personal gain was viewed as despicable.

Origin of CONTEMPTIBLE

Contemptible traces its origins back to the Latin word contemptībilis, which means “deserving of contempt” or “worthy of scorn.” This term combines con- (with, together) and contemptus (contempt, scorn), derived from contemnere (to scorn, to disdain), which itself combines con- (with) and temnere (to scorn).

  • Latin: Contemptībilis (worthy of contempt), from contemnere (to scorn), from con- (with) and temnere (to scorn).
  • Middle English: The Latin contemptībilis evolved into Middle English as contemptible, referring to something or someone deserving of scorn or disdain.
  • Early Modern English: The term was used to describe people or actions considered despicable or deserving of strong disapproval.

In contemporary English, contemptible describes something or someone that is deserving of contempt or scorn, often due to moral or ethical reasons. It emphasizes a strong sense of disapproval or disdain. The term has evolved from its Latin origins of scornful worthiness to characterize actions or characteristics that provoke deep-seated dislike or moral condemnation. Contemptible highlights the aspect of being regarded with disdain or as deserving of scorn.

Synonyms

  • Despicable
  • Detestable
  • Loathsome
  • Abhorrent
  • Scornful
  • Base
  • Vile
  • Disgraceful

Antonyms

  • Admirable
  • Noble
  • Worthy
  • Respectable
  • Honorable
  • Esteemed
  • Valued
  • Praiseworthy

Related

  • Contempt
  • Scorn
  • Disdain
  • Disreputable
  • Shameful
  • Unworthy
  • Deplorable
  • Reprehensible

🌐 🇬🇧 CONTEMPTIBLE in other languages

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