contemn
UK[kənˈtɛm]US[kənˈtɛm]
v
To treat or regard with contempt; to despise or scorn.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
temn
con
together, with,
temn
to despise, scorn.
Etymology
The verb "contemn" originates from the Latin verb contemnere, which is a compound of the intensive prefix con- and the root temnere, meaning "to despise." This Latin root temnere is thought to be related to the Greek verb temnein, meaning "to cut," suggesting an underlying semantic connection between cutting something off and holding it in low esteem. The word entered Middle English via Anglo-Norman French (contempner) and has retained its core meaning of treating something as utterly worthless or beneath consideration. Its formal and somewhat archaic tone distinguishes it from more common synonyms like "despise" or "scorn."
Analysis
Structure: con + temn
- con-: A Latin prefix meaning "together, with," or used as an intensive prefix.
- temn: From Latin temnere, meaning "to despise, scorn."
Examples
The philosopher claimed to contemn material wealth and worldly fame.
Such blatant dishonesty is to be contemned by all right-thinking people.
He did not merely disagree with the proposal; he openly contemned it.