be disdained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be disdained" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts discussing feelings of contempt or scorn directed towards someone or something. Example: "To be disdained by one's peers can be a painful experience."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Actually, it should not be disdained.

The New York Times - Food

Prettiness, if unlike beauty, is not to be disdained.

The New York Times - Arts

Not that the coast is to be disdained.

The New York Times - Travel

Once-hyped forms like installation art and the neo-conceptual object may be disdained by Manhattan tastemakers, but they are embraced here.

The New York Times - Arts

While common sense and gut feelings may be disdained by the sophisticated policy analyst, they are necessary and unavoidable aspects of American political discourse.

The New York Times

And those who say otherwise, especially the ones who have never even been, need to be disdained to within an inch of their lives.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Local ingredients were disdained.

The New York Times - Food

The naysayers are disdained and denigrated.

The New York Times

Compromise is disdained as selling out.

University of California, Berkeley

And so everyone's opposition credentials are disdained or dismissed.

The New Yorker

In their coinage the elegances were disdained; the thing aimed at was simply vividness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be disdained" when you want to convey a strong sense of contempt or scorn directed towards someone or something. Consider the formality of your writing, as this phrase can sound somewhat elevated.

Common error

Avoid using "be disdained" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for more common alternatives like "be scorned" or "be despised" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

Be disdained functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of disdain. It highlights the state of being regarded with contempt or scorn. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, from political commentary to artistic critique.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be disdained" is a grammatically acceptable passive verb phrase that conveys a strong sense of contempt or scorn. Ludwig's analysis shows that it's most frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Academia, suggesting a formal or neutral register. Ludwig AI indicates that, while grammatically correct, the phrase might sound somewhat awkward in modern English, thus suggesting alternatives like "be scorned" or "be despised" for more common usage. When aiming for clarity and impact, consider the context and audience to determine if "be disdained" effectively communicates the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be scorned

Focuses on open contempt and mockery.

be despised

Emphasizes intense dislike and aversion.

be rejected

Highlights the act of being turned down or refused.

be looked down upon

Implies a sense of superiority from the observer.

be held in contempt

Indicates a formal judgment of disrespect.

be shunned

Focuses on avoidance and social exclusion.

be dismissed

Highlights the act of being disregarded or considered unimportant.

be frowned upon

Implies disapproval, often in a social or cultural context.

be derided

Stresses the act of ridiculing or mocking someone or something.

be deprecated

Highlights the act of disapproving or criticizing something.

FAQs

What does "be disdained" mean?

The phrase "be disdained" means to be regarded with contempt or scorn. It implies a strong feeling of dislike and disrespect.

What can I say instead of "be disdained"?

You can use alternatives like "be scorned", "be despised", or "be rejected" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "be disdained"?

The phrase "be disdained" is relatively formal and may sound somewhat elevated in casual conversation. More common alternatives might be preferable in informal settings.

Is it grammatically correct to use "be disdained"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it is not a commonly used phrase in contemporary English and might sound awkward to some.