contempt
/kənˈtɛmpt/
Group 18Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (noun)
- The feeling that a person or thing is beneath consideration or worthless; disregard for something GRE
Example in Context
The judge held the witness in contempt of court after she repeatedly refused to answer questions directed at her.
Synonyms
scorndisrespectdisdain
Etymology
Feeling scorn or disdain for someone or something.
- con- (Latin) — with
- temnere (Latin) — to scorn
Memory Aid
🗑️Sounds like “can temp”
If you CAN'T TEMPT someone with a delicious cake, you feel CONTEMPT for their bad taste!
Visual Association
🙄A person rolling their eyes dramatically at a boring lecture.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “contempt” mean on the GRE?
contempt (noun) means “The feeling that a person or thing is beneath consideration or worthless; disregard for something”. The judge held the witness in contempt of court after she repeatedly refused to answer questions directed at her.
How to remember “contempt” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “contempt” sounds like “can temp”. If you CAN'T TEMPT someone with a delicious cake, you feel CONTEMPT for their bad taste!
What are synonyms for “contempt”?
Common synonyms: scorn, disrespect, disdain.