contempt for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contempt for" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It is most commonly used to indicate that someone has a strong feeling of disdain or disrespect for something or someone. For example: "He had a contempt for authority that often got him into trouble".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Contempt For My Fellow Man".

The New Yorker

Contempt for truth.

The Washington Post

It shows contempt for the democratic process.

The New York Times

— contempt for those who would regulate it.

The New York Times

Contempt for Cabinet members.

The Guardian

Remember George W. Bush's contempt for treaties?

The New York Times

It showed contempt for his audience.

The New Yorker

Dani spoke with predictable contempt for Israel.

The New Yorker

I have utter contempt for painting".

The New Yorker

His contempt for Hamas abounds.

The New York Times - Books

They've demonstrated a contempt for the Constitution.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts or systems, using "contempt for" can effectively highlight a critical or rebellious perspective. For example: "His contempt for the established political system was evident in his writings".

Common error

Avoid overuse of "contempt for" in formal or academic writing where a more neutral tone is expected. Consider using alternatives like "disagreement with" or "criticism of" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contempt for" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adjective modifying a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it signifies a strong feeling of disdain or disrespect. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, such as "contempt for the democratic process" and "contempt for the truth".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contempt for" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey strong feelings of disrespect or disdain. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence in written English. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its frequent appearance in news media, as well as academic and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, the intense emotion it conveys can influence the overall tone of writing. When expressing similar sentiments, consider related phrases such as "scorn for" or "disdain for" to add nuance. Remember to avoid overuse in formal writing, where more objective language might be more appropriate. Ultimately, "contempt for" serves as a powerful tool for expressing negative judgments and ethical objections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scorn for

A more direct synonym emphasizing disdain.

disdain for

Implies a feeling of superiority and dislike.

disrespect for

Focuses on a lack of regard or esteem.

antipathy toward

Indicates a deep-seated dislike or aversion.

aversion to

Highlights a strong feeling of dislike and avoidance.

loathing for

Expresses intense disgust and hatred.

detestation of

A formal term for intense hatred or abhorrence.

abhorrence of

Implies a feeling of repugnance and disgust.

revulsion toward

Indicates a strong feeling of disgust and aversion.

resentment of

Focuses on a feeling of bitterness and indignation.

FAQs

How can I use "contempt for" in a sentence?

You can use "contempt for" to express strong feelings of disrespect or disdain. For example, "The politician's actions demonstrated his "contempt for" the voters."

What are some alternatives to "contempt for"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "scorn for", "disdain for", or "disrespect for" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "have contempt to" instead of "contempt for"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "contempt" in this context is "for". The phrase "contempt to" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "contempt for" to indicate a feeling of disdain or disrespect.

What's the difference between "contempt for" and "disappointment in"?

"Contempt for" implies a strong feeling of disrespect and disdain, while "disappointment in" suggests sadness or regret that someone or something did not meet expectations. They convey different emotional intensities and nuances.