contemn: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very rare (literary/archaic)Formal, literary, archaic
Quick answer
What does “contemn” mean?
To treat or regard with contempt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To treat or regard with contempt; to despise, scorn, or disdain.
To consider as beneath one's notice or unworthy of respect; to reject or disregard with strong disapproval.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally archaic and rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally strong connotations of moral judgment and disdain in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or legal texts, but this is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “contemn” in a Sentence
[Subject] contemns [Object][Subject] is contemned by [Agent] (passive, rare)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contemn” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ancient philosopher was said to contemn material wealth.
- He contemned their cowardice and refused to join them.
- The decree was openly contemned by the rebellious barons.
American English
- The puritans contemned any form of idle entertainment.
- She contemned his dishonest proposal outright.
- The judge warned the lawyer not to contemn the authority of the court.
adverb
British English
- None. The related adverb is 'contemptuously'.
American English
- None. The related adverb is 'contemptuously'.
adjective
British English
- None. The related adjective is 'contemptible' or 'contemptuous'.
American English
- None. The related adjective is 'contemptible' or 'contemptuous'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, only in historical, philosophical, or theological texts discussing concepts of scorn or moral judgment.
Everyday
Never used in modern everyday conversation.
Technical
Extremely rare in legal contexts (e.g., 'to contemn the court' is an archaic form of 'to be in contempt of court').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contemn”
- Mis-spelling as 'condemn'.
- Using it in modern, informal contexts where 'despise' or 'scorn' is appropriate.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /ˈkɒn.tɛm/ (stress on first syllable). Correct is /kənˈtɛm/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare, archaic, and used almost exclusively in formal or literary contexts. In modern English, 'despise', 'scorn', or 'hold in contempt' are used instead.
'Condemn' means to express strong disapproval or to sentence/punish. 'Contemn' means to feel or show contempt, to despise. They are related but distinct: you might condemn (criticise) someone you contemn (despise).
Virtually never. The standard modern legal phrase is 'to be in contempt of court'. The verb 'contemn' in this context is historical.
Generally, avoid it unless you are writing about historical texts where the word appears, or in a very specific literary analysis. Using 'despise', 'scorn', or 'disdain' will make your writing clearer and more modern.
To treat or regard with contempt.
Contemn is usually formal, literary, archaic in register.
Contemn: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈtɛm/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈtɛm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this rare verb.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONdemn' + conTEMPt'. You **condemn** someone you **contemn** (hold in contempt).
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTEMPT IS LOOKING DOWN (FROM A POSITION OF MORAL SUPERIORITY).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'contemn' in its core meaning?