pure contempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pure contempt" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a strong feeling or emotion of disdain or disrespect towards someone or something. Example: The politician's actions were met with pure contempt from the public, who saw them as nothing but deceitful and self-serving.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

She turns her head slowly and freezes him with a look of pure contempt.

The New York Times

In his own witticisms, he now hears echoes of the "pure contempt" of his father's mocking humor.

The New York Times - Books

There were those two women in Union Square, coming from the farmers' market apparently, who stood in the middle of a crosswalk and stared at me with pure contempt, but there could have been others — bike riders, maybe — even more scornful.

The New York Times - Arts

Those faces contorted in weird mirth are the grotesque masks of a great and historic crime, deriding not just their political opponents but mocking the future with that pure contempt of power, daring us to remember beyond the next news cycle, to care beyond the next confected outrage, to see past the next lie.

The Guardian

The offshoot: an eruption of pure contempt for members of the governing class.

Los Angeles Times

The pardon was a sign of pure contempt for every American who believes in justice, human dignity and the rule of law," the editorial board wrote.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Gluttons for ridicule might consider promoting the emotional consistency of Alex Ferguson but anyone seeking the purest contempt need only offer a word in defence of Celtic and Rangers, who appear to be among the most hated football clubs in the land.

The Guardian - Sport

But this time, for the moment, the pity was pure, untainted by contempt or disgust.

The New Yorker

Such high levels of misogyny could also be verified, in Brazil, in anti-Rousseff speeches, especially through memes and media coverage about her that distilled the purest hatred or contempt for the female figure.

Huffington Post

With one exception, the male Voyseys are so ridiculously confident they make contempt a pure joy.

The New York Times

This lack of interest does not stem from pure selfishness or unalloyed contempt for other people's offspring.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pure contempt", ensure the context clearly warrants such a strong emotion. Overuse can dilute its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "pure contempt" when a milder term like "disappointment" or "disapproval" would be more appropriate. "Pure contempt" signifies a severe level of disdain and should be reserved for situations that genuinely evoke such a strong response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pure contempt" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "pure" intensifies the noun "contempt". Ludwig AI validates this usage, showing examples where it expresses a strong feeling of disdain.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pure contempt" is a grammatically correct and impactful way to express strong disdain or disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase typically appears in news and media contexts, marking its use as a powerful tool for conveying intense negative emotions. Related phrases, such as "utter contempt" and "sheer contempt", offer similar but nuanced ways to express this sentiment. While effective, it's crucial to use "pure contempt" judiciously, reserving it for situations where the intensity of the emotion is genuinely warranted. Alternatives like "disappointment" may be more suitable in milder contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter contempt

Emphasizes the completeness and intensity of the contempt.

sheer contempt

Highlights the unmixed and absolute nature of the contempt.

unadulterated contempt

Stresses the purity and lack of any mitigating factors in the contempt.

outright contempt

Focuses on the overt and undisguised nature of the contempt.

absolute disdain

Replaces "contempt" with "disdain", indicating a strong feeling of dislike and disrespect.

deep scorn

Uses "scorn" to convey a feeling of contempt mixed with derision.

profound aversion

Substitutes "contempt" with "aversion", suggesting a strong feeling of dislike and avoidance.

intense loathing

Emphasizes the strong feeling of hatred and disgust.

unmitigated disgust

Highlights the complete and uncompromised feeling of revulsion.

complete detestation

Uses "detestation" to indicate a strong feeling of dislike and hatred.

FAQs

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

Use "pure contempt" to describe a situation where someone or something is viewed with extreme disdain or disapproval. For example, "The public reacted with "pure contempt" to the corporation's unethical practices".

What's a less intense alternative to "pure contempt"?

If "pure contempt" feels too strong, consider alternatives like "disapproval", "disdain", or "disappointment". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "pure contempt"?

Yes, "pure contempt" is grammatically correct. "Pure" is an adjective modifying the noun "contempt", creating a phrase that emphasizes the intensity of the feeling.

What is the difference between "sheer contempt" and "pure contempt"?

While both phrases indicate a strong feeling of disdain, "pure contempt" emphasizes the unmixed and unadulterated nature of the contempt, whereas "sheer contempt" highlights its intensity and obviousness.