Despise Meaning and Definition
Despise
Pronunciation
/ˈdɪspaɪs/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To regard with contempt, hatred, or disgust; to loathe or abhor
Examples
- She despised the way he treated her.
- The crowds despise the new imposed tax.
Synonyms
- Loathe
- Abscond
Antonyms
- Laud
- Admire
Etymology
The word “despise” originated from the Latin “despicere,” meaning “to look down upon.”
Usage Notes
When using the word “despise,” it is essential to understand the connotation of the speaker. The word can hold a strong emotional weight, and it is crucial to consider the context in which it is used.
Cultural References
In the famous novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, the character of Lord Henry Wotton describes his disdain for moral hypocrisy, stating that he “despises the mediocre and the mundane.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Despise the handicaps”
- “Despise the enemy”
Related Words or Phrases
- Contempt
- Disdain
- Abhorrence
Collocations
- “Despise the noise”
- “Despise the chaos”
Frequency of Use
The word “despise” is relatively uncommon in modern language, but it is often used in formal or literary contexts to convey strong emotions.
Common Misspellings
- Despiese
- Dispite