outright contempt for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outright contempt for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong and open disdain or disrespect towards someone or something. Example: "His outright contempt for the rules was evident when he decided to break them without hesitation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In his campaign, Trump has shown outright contempt for courts, free speech, international treaties, and many other pillars of the American way of life.

The New Yorker

Their conduct, as the three-year struggle to keep St Joseph's in Milngavie has unfolded, has been a microcosm of that shown by the national organisation: a refusal to listen and an arrogance bordering on outright contempt for local people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Throughout his career as a Republican senator and now as a governor without a party, Mr. Chafee has displayed a stubborn indifference to the wisdom of crowds and an outright contempt for famous figures — most notablyGeorge W. Bush — who strike him as imperious.

The New York Times

Google drama aside, Pence's tough talk on China might be politically expedient bluster, but it's not without irony: The Trump administration has repeatedly expressed its outright contempt for a free press, a hallmark of an aggressively restrictive government like China.

TechCrunch

Another NRA member, Amber, a 27-year-old from Pennsylvania who declined to give her last name, expressed outright contempt for her organization's favored candidate.

Vice

I work in the corporate office of a major bank for a boss who represents everything wrong with the financial industry: blatant disregard and outright contempt for everyone and everything he deems beneath him.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Outright contempt greeted all the requests from Judge May for answers to his questions.

The New York Times

For if politicians are held in low regard, if not outright contempt, then some responsibility surely belongs to those from the rottweiler school of interviewing who cannot look at an elected official without dripping disdain.

The Guardian - Opinion

And yet many Ghanaians in New York view Mr. Kwaku Bonsam with distrust, if not outright contempt.

The New York Times

Interviews from the 80s often saw him being treated with outright contempt by his interlocutors.

The Guardian - Music

Yet the government of Silvio Berlusconi has shown startling indifference, if not outright contempt, toward opera and other traditional genres.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outright contempt for", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the strong and overt nature of the disdain being expressed. It is best used when the feeling is not just negative, but also openly displayed or acknowledged.

Common error

While "outright contempt for" is acceptable in news and opinion pieces, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing where a more nuanced or objective tone might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "strong disagreement" or "critical evaluation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outright contempt for" functions as a descriptor, indicating a strong negative feeling or opinion towards someone or something. It's used to express a clear and unconcealed disdain. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outright contempt for" is a phrase used to express a strong, unconcealed feeling of disdain or disrespect. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While it's commonly found in news and media contexts, it's crucial to consider the formality of your writing and choose more nuanced language if necessary. Alternatives such as ""unmitigated contempt for"" or ""absolute contempt for"" offer subtle variations in meaning. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context supports the overt and intense negativity it conveys.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmitigated contempt for

Replaces 'outright' with 'unmitigated' to emphasize the lack of qualification in the contempt.

outright scorn for

Substitutes 'contempt' with 'scorn', implying a feeling of derision and superiority.

unequivocal contempt for

Uses 'unequivocal' instead of 'outright' to highlight the unambiguous nature of the contempt.

genuine contempt for

Emphasizes the sincerity of the contempt felt.

downright contempt for

Replaces 'outright' with 'downright' to intensify the feeling of contempt.

outright disrespect for

Uses 'disrespect' instead of 'contempt', focusing on a lack of regard or esteem.

absolute contempt for

Replaces 'outright' with 'absolute' to convey the complete and total nature of the contempt.

blatant disdain for

Emphasizes the obvious and intentional nature of the disdain.

open scorn for

Highlights the unconcealed nature of the scorn.

complete lack of respect for

Expresses the idea by focusing on the absence of respect, rather than the presence of contempt.

FAQs

What does "outright contempt for" mean?

The phrase "outright contempt for" means a complete and unconcealed feeling of disdain or disrespect for someone or something. It indicates a strong negative opinion that is not hidden.

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

You can use "outright contempt for" to describe someone's attitude or behavior. For example, "The politician showed "outright contempt for" the opposing party's policies."

What are some alternatives to "outright contempt for"?

Some alternatives to "outright contempt for" include "unmitigated contempt for", "outright scorn for", or "absolute contempt for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "outright contempt for" and "disagreement with"?

Yes, "outright contempt for" expresses a much stronger negative sentiment than simply "disagreement with". Contempt implies disdain and disrespect, whereas disagreement simply means holding a different opinion.