obvious contempt for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious contempt for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clear and evident disdain or disrespect towards someone or something. Example: "His remarks displayed an obvious contempt for the rules that everyone else was following."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He should, at the very least, contain his obvious contempt for those who see things differently than he does.

The New Yorker

Or you can be driving when a cyclist or pedestrian dashes across an intersection against the light, showing an obvious contempt for your right of way.

The New Yorker

The question is whether average, low-information viewers - also known as "undecideds" and "independents" - will find Biden's constant smirking, interrupting and obvious contempt for Ryan off-putting.

The Guardian

Then again, it is possible – just about – to sympathise with Mr Fury's obvious contempt for the newspapers and television channels that have now started to take an interest in him.

Independent

This has been a great experience.' Lee's obvious contempt for those who look at the audience before they look at the quality of a project finds its echo in Hytner's attitude.

The Guardian

In the face of Israeli condescension, obfuscation and endless legalistic pettifogging they continually push back, insisting on application of relevant international law, despite the Israelis' obvious contempt for their international obligations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Perhaps a lot of local people took against the obvious contempt of such as Andrew Johnson for council housing and its inhabitants, and disliked the high-handed Conservative attitudes exposed in the move to close Sulivan primary school.

The Guardian

"As a result of this disgraceful attendance and the obvious contempt MPs have for the children and families ripped apart in secret courts, I felt compelled to act," he added.

Independent

Beyond the obvious contempt they show for those who do not have enough food to live, along with the potential health problems that could come from abusing a body this way, they raise questions I'd like to see the Ethicist address.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the truisms are stunningly obvious: "Disdain and contempt for your superior -- whether a country president or a company manager -- will be returned in kind".

The New York Times

His obvious anger, and contempt for Tory opponents, is certain to keep open the party's wounds after the Maastricht furore.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obvious contempt for", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the reasons behind the contempt to strengthen your argument and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious contempt for" when the situation suggests a more nuanced or complex emotion than simple contempt. Consider if words like "disappointment", "frustration", or "disagreement" might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious contempt for" functions as a noun phrase acting as an object of a verb or preposition, expressing a clear and easily perceived feeling of disdain or scorn. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obvious contempt for" is a valid and relatively common expression used to describe a readily apparent feeling of disdain or scorn. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media contexts. While there are several alternative phrases, such as "clear disdain for" or "evident scorn for", the choice depends on the desired nuance and level of formality. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly supports the claim of obviousness to avoid misinterpretation. Be mindful of the strong negative connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear disdain for

Replaces "contempt" with "disdain", focusing on a lack of respect and aversion.

evident scorn for

Substitutes "contempt" with "scorn", highlighting a feeling of intense dislike and derision.

apparent disdain towards

Uses "disdain" instead of "contempt" and "towards" instead of "for", slightly altering the prepositional focus.

manifest disrespect for

Replaces "contempt" with "disrespect", emphasizing a lack of courtesy and honor.

overt contempt towards

Substitutes "obvious" with "overt" and "for" with "towards", intensifying the clarity of the contempt.

blatant disregard for

Uses "disregard" instead of "contempt", indicating a deliberate indifference or neglect.

unconcealed scorn towards

Replaces "obvious" with "unconcealed" and "contempt" with "scorn", stressing the lack of attempt to hide the feeling.

palpable contempt of

Replaces "obvious" with "palpable" and "for" with "of", altering the descriptive intensity and preposition.

noticeable antipathy towards

Employs "antipathy" instead of "contempt", focusing on a deep-seated aversion or dislike.

pronounced aversion to

Substitutes "contempt" with "aversion", highlighting a strong dislike or disinclination.

FAQs

How can I express "obvious contempt for" in a less direct way?

Consider using phrases like "clear disdain for" or "evident scorn for" to soften the tone, while still conveying a strong sense of disapproval.

Is it ever appropriate to use "obvious contempt for" in formal writing?

While "obvious contempt for" is grammatically correct, its directness may not be suitable for all formal contexts. Assess whether a more neutral or diplomatic phrasing would be more appropriate for your audience and purpose.

What's the difference between "obvious contempt for" and "hidden contempt for"?

"Obvious contempt for" implies that the feeling of contempt is readily apparent and easily noticed, whereas "hidden contempt for" suggests that the contempt is concealed or not easily detected.

Can "obvious contempt for" be used to describe inanimate objects or abstract concepts?

While typically used to describe feelings towards people or groups, "obvious contempt for" can be used to describe a feeling towards inanimate objects or concepts if they are associated with something negative or undesirable. For example, "obvious contempt for outdated technology".