disdain
/dɪsˈdeɪn/
Group 28Difficulty 1/3
Definitions
- (noun)
- The feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect; contempt GRE
- (verb)
- To consider with contempt GRE
Example in Context
The aristocrat's barely concealed disdain for the delegates from smaller nations undermined the spirit of cooperation the summit was meant to foster.
Synonyms
look down onscorndespise
Etymology
To regard as unworthy, pushing it apart from respect.
- dis- (Latin) — apart
- dignari (Latin) — to consider worthy
Memory Aid
🩸Sounds like “this stain”
Imagine someone looking at a nasty stain on their shirt and saying, 'Ew, THIS STAIN is beneath me!' — that's DISDAIN!
Visual Association
🤢A person grimacing and stepping away from a disgusting mess, clearly unimpressed.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “disdain” mean on the GRE?
disdain (noun) means “The feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect; contempt”. The aristocrat's barely concealed disdain for the delegates from smaller nations undermined the spirit of cooperation the summit was meant to foster.
How to remember “disdain” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “disdain” sounds like “this stain”. Imagine someone looking at a nasty stain on their shirt and saying, 'Ew, THIS STAIN is beneath me!' — that's DISDAIN!
What are synonyms for “disdain”?
Common synonyms: look down on, scorn, despise.