I have contempt for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have contempt for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of disdain or lack of respect for someone or something. Example: "I have contempt for those who take advantage of others for personal gain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He replied: "I have contempt for it.

The Guardian - Film

I love it yet at the same time I have contempt for it".

The Guardian - Film

"I have contempt for people who didn't care enough or respect tradition enough to remove it," she said.

The New York Times

"I have contempt for those books," said a friend when I tried to describe my mixed responses to photography books that try to counter passive ignorance or battle-active prejudice by celebrating social diversity and emotional complexity.

The New York Times - Books

Branding the previous French ambassador in Russia "a moron" and the ambassador in Lebanon "an infamous cretin," he adds, "I have contempt for all these guys; they are cowards".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I have contempt, absolute contempt, for those Republican governors who do not have the guts to support free, open, and fair elections," Sanders said Saturday at the Democratic Party's Founders Day Dinner in downtown Milwaukee.

Vice

It's not like, 'I love, so I write a loving song.' I don't have contempt for that, it's just not what we do".

The Guardian - Music

I think there are maybe a handful of people on Capitol Hill I don't have contempt for.

Huffington Post

And I don't have contempt for Tea Party patriots or people who are very conservative or different from me ideologically".

The New York Times

Below, other thoughts on the appeals court's ruling: From Dan Gillmor's blog: I will always have contempt for the way Quattrone did business, but his trial was unfair, featuring a judge who'd plainly decided the defendant's guilt.

The New York Times

Is it any wonder that so many people have contempt for economists?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I have contempt for" when you want to express a strong feeling of disdain or lack of respect. Ensure the context warrants such a strong emotion, as it can come across as harsh.

Common error

While "I have contempt for" is a valid expression, overuse can make your writing sound overly negative or aggressive. Consider using milder alternatives like "I disagree with" or "I dislike" when appropriate to maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have contempt for" functions as an expression of strong negative sentiment. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness. It is used to convey a feeling of disdain, scorn, or deep disrespect towards a person, idea, or thing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I have contempt for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express strong disdain or disrespect. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage in various news and media contexts. While effective for conveying a strong negative sentiment, it's essential to use it judiciously to avoid sounding overly harsh. Consider alternatives like "I disdain" or "I scorn" to fine-tune the level of negativity in your writing. The phrase, though infrequent, carries significant weight in expressing personal judgments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I disdain

Uses a more direct verb to express contempt.

I scorn

Emphasizes a feeling of looking down upon something or someone.

I look down on

Expresses a sense of superiority and disapproval.

I feel aversion towards

Indicates a strong dislike or repugnance.

I find repugnant

Highlights the offensive or disgusting nature of something.

I am repulsed by

Focuses on the feeling of being disgusted or revolted.

I detest

Conveys a strong feeling of hatred or dislike.

I loathe

Similar to 'detest' but often implies a more intense feeling.

I harbor disdain for

Highlights a long-held feeling of contempt.

I hold in contempt

Expresses a formal or deliberate act of holding someone or something in low regard.

FAQs

What does it mean to "have contempt for" something?

To "have contempt for" something means to feel a strong sense of disdain, disrespect, or disgust towards it. It implies a negative judgment and a feeling of superiority.

What can I say instead of "I have contempt for"?

You can use alternatives like "I disdain", "I scorn", or "I look down on" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "I have contempt for" or "I feel contempt for"?

Both "I have contempt for" and "I feel contempt for" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific rhythm of the sentence.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I have contempt for"?

Use "I have contempt for" when you want to express a strong, negative feeling towards something. However, be mindful of the potential impact, as it can be seen as harsh. Consider whether a milder expression like "I dislike" or "I disagree with" might be more suitable.