disrespect
B2Primarily informal, colloquial, and everyday. Increasingly used in formal contexts, especially the verb.
Definition
Meaning
A lack of respect or courtesy; rudeness.
Also used as a verb meaning to show a lack of respect towards someone or something. Can also function as an adjective (e.g., 'disrespect behaviour', though often hyphenated) or adverb ('to act disrespectfully' is more standard).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can be both a non-count noun (e.g., 'show disrespect') and a count noun, especially in slang or AAVE-influenced speech (e.g., 'That was a major disrespect'). The verb form originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and has entered mainstream use, sometimes viewed as informal by prescriptivists.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb form 'to disrespect' is slightly more established and less marked as informal in AmE due to its AAVE origins. In BrE, the noun is dominant, and the verb, while understood, may still carry a stronger informal or youth/colloquial connotation.
Connotations
In both, the word carries a strong negative social evaluation. In certain youth or hip-hop influenced contexts, it can be a serious accusation of a social slight.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, particularly the verb form.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
disrespect [sb/sth] (verb trans.)show disrespect to/towards [sb/sth]have disrespect for [sb/sth]in disrespect of [rule/tradition] (formal/archaic)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No disrespect (intended)... (phrase used to soften a critical remark)”
- “Don't disrespect me.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'Such disrespect for company protocol will not be tolerated.'
Academic
The study examined perceptions of disrespect in clinical settings.
Everyday
'I won't tolerate any disrespect in this house.'
Technical
Not typically a technical term, but used in social psychology (e.g., 'interpersonal disrespect').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You shouldn't disrespect your elders like that.
- The proposal disrespects the established procedures.
American English
- Don't disrespect the flag.
- He felt disrespected by the manager's comments.
adverb
British English
- He stared disrespect at the teacher. (Non-standard; 'disrespectfully' is standard.)
American English
- She acted disrespect towards her parents. (Non-standard; 'disrespectfully' is standard.)
adjective
British English
- It was disrespect behaviour, plain and simple. (Note: 'disrespectful' is standard.)
American English
- That was a totally disrespect move. (Informal/Slang)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It is bad to show disrespect to your teacher.
- Saying that was very disrespectful.
- The player was fined for showing disrespect to the referee.
- I mean no disrespect, but I disagree with your idea.
- The protest was an act of disrespect for the national holiday.
- They accused the article of disrespecting cultural traditions.
- The subtle disrespect inherent in his tone did not go unnoticed.
- The legislation has been criticised for disrespecting fundamental human rights.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS (not) + RESPECT. It's the opposite of respect.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESPECT IS UP / DISRESPECT IS DOWN (e.g., 'to look down on someone').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from 'неуважение' for all contexts; 'disrespect' is often stronger/more active. For 'непочтение', 'lack of reverence' might be better. The verb 'to disrespect' has no perfect one-word equivalent; 'оскорблять', 'проявлять неуважение' are common translations.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'disrespect' as a countable noun in formal writing (e.g., 'He committed several disrespects'). Using the verb in very formal contexts where 'show disrespect to' or 'treat disrespectfully' is preferred. Misspelling as 'disrepect'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses of 'disrespect' is considered the most informal or non-standard?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. While some traditionalists once objected to it, 'to disrespect' is now a fully established verb in modern English, derived from the noun. It is more common in informal and spoken contexts but appears in all registers.
An 'insult' is a specific act or remark intended to offend. 'Disrespect' is broader; it is an attitude or behaviour showing a lack of respect. An insult is always an act of disrespect, but disrespect can be shown without a direct insult (e.g., ignoring someone).
Use softer, more formal phrasing like: 'With all due respect,...', 'I hope this doesn't come across as critical, but...', or 'Without wishing to cause offence,...'. 'No disrespect' is quite colloquial.
Typically, it's an uncountable noun (e.g., 'too much disrespect'). However, in very informal or slang contexts, especially influenced by AAVE, it can be countable (e.g., 'calling out past disrespects'). Avoid the plural in formal writing.
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