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Meaning of the Word
Despise means to feel a strong dislike or contempt for someone or something. It suggests a deep, often intense, disdain or disrespect.

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To regard with contempt or scorn: To look down upon or show disdain for someone or something.
2. To intensely dislike or hate: Often used when someone feels strong negative emotions towards someone or something.
3. To disapprove of or reject with disgust: Indicates a rejection of something with strong feelings of disapproval or distaste.

History and Origin
The word “despise” comes from the Old French despiser (meaning “to scorn, despise”), from Latin despicere (meaning “to look down on, scorn”), formed from de- (meaning “down”) and specere (meaning “to look”). It has been used in English since the early 14th century.

Detailed Explanation
“Despise” conveys a strong sense of dislike or contempt for someone or something. Unlike mere dislike, despising implies a more intense, emotional rejection, often accompanied by feelings of disgust or scorn. To despise someone or something is to see them as beneath consideration or unworthy of respect. It can be used both for people (e.g., “She despised the corrupt politician”) or things (e.g., “He despised the way they treated the environment”). Despising something often involves a moral or ethical judgment, where the object of disdain is viewed as fundamentally wrong or unacceptable.

Example Sentences

1. He despised the way people treated each other in the office.
2. She despised the idea of lying, no matter the situation.
3. The villain in the story despised everyone who was kind-hearted.
4. I despise the way he always interrupts others when they speak.
5. She despised the cruelty of the ancient practices.
6. They despised the harsh treatment of animals at the factory.
7. He despised injustice and spent his life fighting against it.
8. She couldn’t understand how anyone could despise such a harmless creature.
9. He despised the idea of cheating, believing it undermined integrity.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Loathe: To feel intense dislike or disgust, similar to despise, but often with a more personal emotion involved.
2. Hate: A strong negative emotion towards something or someone, though “despise” often implies more scornful disdain.
3. Abhor: To regard with horror or disgust, often used for morally offensive actions, closely related to despise.
4. Detest: To feel intense dislike or aversion for something or someone, very similar to despise, but can be less emotionally charged.
5. Disdain: To regard or treat someone or something with scorn or contempt, almost synonymous with despise.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Contempt: A strong feeling of disrespect or scorn, often closely associated with despise.
2. Scorn: A feeling of open disdain or contempt for something, often used interchangeably with despise.
3. Disrespect: A lack of respect or regard for someone or something, often a component of despising.
4. Revulsion: A strong feeling of disgust or repulsion, closely related to the emotions felt when one despises something.
5. Aversion: A strong feeling of dislike or avoidance, often tied to feelings of despise.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Disgust: A strong feeling of dislike or repulsion, often accompanying the feeling of despise.
2. Antipathy: A strong feeling of dislike or hostility, similar to despise, but often more enduring.
3. Enmity: A state of mutual hostility or hatred, closely related to despise, especially when directed at a person or group.
4. Contumely: Rude or insulting behavior, often associated with the feeling of despise.
5. Odium: Strong hatred or disgust, often because of some morally objectionable action, similar to despise.

Antonyms

1. Admire: To regard someone or something with respect or approval, the opposite of despise.
2. Respect: To hold someone or something in high regard, opposite of feeling disdain or contempt.
3. Love: A deep affection or attachment, the opposite of despising something or someone.
4. Appreciate: To recognize and value something, in contrast to despising it.
5. Esteem: To regard with admiration and respect, the opposite of despising.