disdain

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "disdain" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express a feeling of contempt or disapproval for something or someone. For example: Sarah looked at the dirty apartment with disdain, wondering how anyone could live in such squalor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His piss-take of George Galloway's Cantona-eque concession speech ("The hyena can bounce on the lion's grave, but it can never be a lion …") brilliantly combines dopeyness and disdain.

The Guardian

"The magazine seems to be entirely sincere in its anarchic expressions of disdain toward organized religion.

The Guardian - Books

The group of doctors last week urged university officials to remove Oz from a faculty position on the grounds that he promotes "quack treatments" and "has repeatedly shown disdain for science and for evidence-based medicine, as well as baseless and relentless opposition to the genetic engineering of food crops".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I am intolerant of the Italian disdain for the urban environment, and the inability to value, care for and maintain its enormous cultural patrimony.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was grateful for the facilities and made some lasting friends, but I shared most normal people's disdain for much of the pomp and snobbery.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is only so much the UK can say to other countries about their human rights records when they show disdain for judgments which go against them at Strasbourg.

The Guardian

In every marginal seat I have visited there is disdain for politics in general rather than focused rage against the Tories.

The Guardian - Opinion

A local woman told me with disdain that Japanese tourists queue outside Gucci at 8am during the sales.

The Guardian - Travel

Here it distracts from the usual disdain that McDonald's receives from the chattering public.

The Guardian - Business

The view from the mainland While the blanket censorship makes it difficult to assess public sentiment towards the protest (state media has taken a hardline on the protests and censors blocked or scrubbed clean social media, mainland citizens have responded to past Hong Kong demonstrations with a mixture of puzzlement, envy and disdain.

The Guardian

I love the people who disdain the spectacle while tapping their feet furtively in their loungerooms.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disdain" to express a strong feeling of contempt or scorn. Ensure the context makes it clear what or whom the feeling is directed towards. For example, "She viewed his arrogance with disdain."

Common error

Avoid using "disdain" when a more neutral term like "disagreement" or "disapproval" would be more appropriate. "Disdain" implies a strong negative emotion and should be reserved for situations where such intensity is warranted.

Linguistic Context

The word "disdain" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it represents a feeling of contempt or scorn. As a verb, it signifies regarding someone or something with strong contempt, exemplified by Ludwig's examples of using it in media sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "disdain" is a versatile word, functioning as both a noun and a verb, primarily used to convey a sense of contempt or scorn. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears frequently in journalistic contexts and formal writing, signalling a strong negative assessment. While the word carries negative connotations, its usage remains neutral in tone. Alternatives to "disdain" include "scorn", "contempt", and "aversion", each offering subtly different shades of meaning. To effectively use "disdain", ensure the context warrants its intensity and avoid substituting it for milder terms like "disagreement". Overall, "disdain" is a powerful tool for expressing strong disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scorn

A more direct and intense form of contempt.

contempt

Implies a feeling of superiority and rejection.

scornfulness

Highlights the quality of expressing contempt.

aversion

Indicates a strong dislike and avoidance.

repugnance

Suggests a strong feeling of disgust or revulsion.

antipathy

A deep-seated feeling of aversion.

detestation

Emphasizes intense hatred and loathing.

abhorrence

Implies a feeling of extreme aversion and moral disapproval.

dislike

A more general term for not liking something.

disapproval

Indicates a negative judgment or opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "disdain" in a sentence?

"Disdain" can be used to show contempt or scorn for something. For example, "The critic viewed the movie with disdain" or "She felt nothing but disdain for his behavior".

What's the difference between "disdain" and "contempt"?

"Disdain" and "contempt" are similar, but "disdain" often implies a feeling of superiority or aloofness, while "contempt" can be a more direct and intense feeling of disapproval or disgust.

What are some synonyms for "disdain"?

Synonyms for "disdain" include "scorn", "contempt", "aversion", and "repugnance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "disdain" in formal writing?

Yes, "disdain" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to express a strong feeling of contempt or scorn. However, ensure the context warrants such an intense emotion.