Meaning of Contemptible Explained | Generated by AI
Question: What does “contemptible” mean?
Answer:
Contemptible means deserving contempt, scorn, or strong disapproval because of being very bad, worthless, despicable, or morally low.
It describes people, actions, or things that are considered shameful,卑劣 (卑劣), or worthy of being looked down upon with disgust.
Common synonyms
- despicable
- detestable
- disgraceful
- dishonorable
- vile
- base
- deplorable
- loathsome
- pathetic (in the sense of pitifully inadequate and unworthy)
Examples in sentences
- He showed contemptible cowardice by abandoning his friends when they needed him most.
- The way the company treated its lowest-paid workers was utterly contemptible.
- Lying to get someone fired is one of the most contemptible things a person can do.
- His contemptible behavior at the meeting made everyone lose respect for him.
Quick contrast
- Contemptible = deserving of contempt (very negative, blameworthy)
- Contemptuous = showing contempt, looking down on others (arrogant / scornful attitude)
So “contemptible” describes the object of contempt, while “contemptuous” describes the person who feels/shows contempt.
References:
- None (standard English dictionary definition)