What does scorn mean Meaning and Definition
What does scorn mean
Pronunciation
/ˈskɔːrn/
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Definition
A feeling of contempt or disdain for someone or something. Verb: to treat with disdain or contempt, to reject with disdain or scorn.
Examples
- She looked at him with scorn, disgusted by his behavior.
- He scorned the idea of taking a vacation, believing it was a waste of time.
Synonyms
- Contempt
- Disdain
- Disgust
Antonyms
- Admiration
- Respect
- Affection
Additional Information
Scorn can manifest in various forms, such as mocking, ridicule, or rejection. It is often characterized by a strong emotional response, like disgust or anger, and can be expressed verbally or non-verbally. Understanding the concept of scorn is essential to grasp its usage in language and behavior.
In psychology, scorn is a form of negative affect, often related to moral indignation or righteous anger. Research has shown that people experience scorn as a self-protective mechanism to avoid threats or social transgressions.
In literary works, scorn has been employed as a device to criticize societal norms, morality, or characters. Famous authors, like William Shakespeare, have utilized scorn as a way to critique their subjects.
On the internet, the word scorn is commonly used to describe one’s disgust or disappointment with certain online trends or behavior.
Etimology
Scorn originates from the Old Norse word ‘skörna,’ which means to disdain or mock. This etymology can be linked to other English words with the prefix ‘s-,’ denoting scornful behavior or an outward show of rejection.
Usage Notes
Scorn is used as both a noun and verb, referring to either a state of contempt or an act of expressing contempt.
Cultural References
- In John Steinbeck’s ‘East of Eden,’ scorn is depicted as a reaction to morally unacceptable actions.
- In David Lynch’s film ‘Mulholland Drive,’ the main character shows scorn for Hollywood conventions.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Show scorn” (verb)
- “Liable to scorn” (noun)
- “Speak scornfully” (verb)
Related Words or Phrases
- “Turn a cold shoulder”
- “Gave him the stink-eye”
- “Sent her to Coventry”
Collocations
- Give scorn to someone/something
- Show scorn towards something/someone
- React with scorn to an event/ situation
Frequency of Use
Scorn is not a frequently used word in informal conversation but can be seen often in literary, academic, and online contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Scourn
- Scornen
- Skurn