feeling of contempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of contempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an emotional state where someone feels disdain or scorn towards another person or situation. Example: "After hearing his dismissive comments, she was overwhelmed by a feeling of contempt for his arrogance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I also think we'll need an MRI of your spleen, so that we can rule out necrotic tissue and maybe address this feeling of contempt for all of humanity that you experience after watching "Hardball with Chris Matthews".

The New Yorker

"Raymond Williams... is my prime offender and I'm saving him up for later," Hitchens says at one point; and at another, "I personally cannot read the Orwell-Eliot correspondence without experiencing a deep feeling of contempt".

The New York Times - Books

She seems a rather creepy, jejune and adolescent fantasy.Running throughout this book, as through "Everyman" and its successor, "Exit Ghost", is an odd feeling of contempt for the reader not because Mr Roth writes so unremittingly about death, solitude and infirmity, nor because his protagonists wallow in misery, but because characters soliloquise indifferently instead of talking.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He seizes on the hapless surfaces of American life — the bug-eyed nuts, the goons, the square company spokespersons — and projects his feelings of contempt onto them.

The New Yorker

As an adult, Pedro would openly call his mother, for whom he held only feelings of contempt, a "bitch".

Wikipedia

The trust between the U.S. and Russia has largely disappeared, having been replaced by mutual suspicion and reciprocal feelings of contempt.

Huffington Post

I quickly sort through memory after painful memory of my post-divorce feelings of "compare and despair," trying to summon up feelings of contempt and a desire to see them both unhappy.

Huffington Post

Golding had a darker side, a "feeling of self-contempt which came from very far back.

The Guardian - Books

Recovering this past memory helped her understand and transcend the intense feelings of self contempt.

Huffington Post

These feelings of anger, of contempt, must be our fuel.

Huffington Post

But allowing oneself to spread out on a hammock and entirely forget about work, without feelings of self-contempt and a bad conscience, may go some way to saving the holiday.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the "feeling of contempt", be specific about its target. Clearly state who or what is the object of this feeling to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid unintentionally implying that the subject experiencing the "feeling of contempt" is superior or justified in their disdain. Ensure the context clearly reflects the nuances of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of contempt" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object or subject of a verb, expressing the emotional state of experiencing disdain or scorn. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feeling of contempt" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an emotion characterized by disdain or scorn. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for use in written English across various contexts. While the frequency of use is considerable, writers should be mindful of the context in which they employ the phrase, avoiding unintended implications of superiority. Related phrases such as "sense of disdain" or "emotion of scorn" can offer nuanced alternatives. The sources analyzed reflect a wide range of usage, with news media being the predominant context. It's important to use the expression with precision to accurately convey the intended emotional nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of disdain

Focuses on the intellectual aspect of looking down on something.

emotion of scorn

Emphasizes a stronger, more active rejection and derision.

attitude of disgust

Highlights the revulsion and aversion aspect of the feeling.

sentiment of revulsion

Implies a deep-seated aversion and strong negative reaction.

state of antipathy

Denotes a general dislike or aversion, lacking the hierarchical aspect of contempt.

disposition of loathing

Implies intense aversion and hatred.

air of condescension

Focuses on the behavioral expression of feeling superior.

spirit of derision

Highlights the mocking and ridiculing aspect of contempt.

reaction of disdain

Emphasizes the immediate response of contempt.

impression of scorn

Focuses on the perceived or conveyed sentiment of contempt.

FAQs

How can I use "feeling of contempt" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling of contempt" to describe a sense of disdain or scorn towards someone or something. For instance, "The politician's actions evoked a strong "feeling of contempt" among voters".

What emotions are similar to a "feeling of contempt"?

Similar emotions include "sense of disdain", "emotion of scorn", and "attitude of disgust". These all share a sense of looking down upon someone or something.

Is it always negative to have a "feeling of contempt"?

While often negative, the appropriateness of a "feeling of contempt" depends on the situation. It can be a justified response to injustice or unethical behavior, but it's important to examine whether it's a fair assessment or an overreaction.

What's the difference between "feeling of contempt" and "feeling of anger"?

"Feeling of contempt" implies a sense of superiority and disdain, while "feeling of anger" is a reaction to perceived injustice or frustration. You might feel anger towards someone who wronged you, but "feeling of contempt" towards someone you consider inferior.