despise
C1Formal to neutral.
Definition
Meaning
To feel intense contempt for someone or something; to regard as unworthy, inferior, or worthless.
A strong, deep-seated feeling of scorn or disdain that often involves moral judgment and a sense of personal superiority.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a combination of contempt, disgust, and disrespect. Often suggests the object is morally reprehensible or beneath consideration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; the term is used identically.
Connotations
Equally strong in both varieties.
Frequency
More common in formal writing and speech in both regions; slightly less frequent in everyday casual conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + despise + Object (noun/pronoun/gerund)Despise + someone + for + noun/gerundVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Despise the ground someone walks on (intense contempt)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might be used to describe contempt for unethical practices: 'The CEO despises any form of financial dishonesty.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, history, philosophy to describe moral or social contempt.
Everyday
Used for strong personal dislikes: 'I despise getting up early.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She utterly despises people who litter the countryside.
- He came to despise the political machinations in Westminster.
American English
- They deeply despise corruption in local government.
- I despise having to commute for two hours every day.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I despise cold weather.
- Many people despise being told what to do.
- She began to despise him for his constant lies and excuses.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DE-SPIES' - Imagine a spy so bad at their job that their own agency holds them in contempt (despises them).
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTEMPT IS A DEEP PHYSICAL REACTION (e.g., 'She made my stomach turn').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'презирать' (to despise) vs. 'пренебрегать' (to neglect/disregard). 'Despise' carries a stronger emotional charge of contempt than 'пренебрегать'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'despise' with 'despite' (preposition). Incorrect: 'I despite him.' Correct: 'I despise him.' or 'Despite him, I...'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the CLOSEST in meaning to 'despise'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, typically. 'Despise' implies a deeper contempt and sense of moral superiority or judgment, whereas 'hate' can be a more general intense dislike.
Yes. You can despise concepts, behaviours, objects, or situations (e.g., 'I despise injustice,' 'She despises celery').
The primary noun form is 'contempt.' 'Despisal' is a very rare, almost obsolete form.
Mistaking it for the preposition 'despite.' For example, 'I despite him' is incorrect. It should be 'I despise him' or 'Despite him...'