disdain
UK[dɪsˈdeɪn]US[dɪsˈdeɪn]
n
the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect; contempt.
v
consider to be unworthy of one's consideration.
Morpheme Breakdown
dis
dain
dis
apart, away
dain
worth, value
Etymology
the word 'disdain' originates from the old french verb 'desdeignier', which itself was formed from the latin elements 'dis-' (expressing negation or reversal) and 'dignari' (to deem worthy). the core latin root is 'dignus', meaning 'worthy'. thus, the literal, morphemic meaning is "to consider not worthy" or "to reject as unworthy". this sense of assigning a lack of value evolved directly into the modern abstract meanings of scornful contempt and the act of rejecting something with such an attitude.
Analysis
Structure: dis (apart, away) + dain (worth, value)
'dis-' is a prefix of Latin origin meaning 'apart, away, having a negative or reversing force'. 'dain' is derived from the Latin root 'dignus', meaning 'worthy', which entered English via Old French 'deignier'.
Examples
she looked at the messy proposal with undisguised disdain.
he disdained to answer the accusations, considering them beneath him.
a certain disdain for popular culture was evident in his writing.