thoroughly contemptible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly contemptible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is deserving of strong disdain or scorn. Example: "The politician's actions were thoroughly contemptible, leading to widespread outrage among the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Too contemptible.

The New York Times

It's contemptible.Yikes.Yikes

The Economist

It's the contemptible fleecing the contemptible.

The New York Times - Arts

That is contemptible.

The Economist

Purely contemptible psychiatric quackery.

Harvard University

Not everyone is contemptible.

The New York Times

The decision is contemptible.

The New York Times

This view is contemptible.

The New York Times - Magazine

What contemptible garbage!

The Guardian - Film

How contemptible is that?

The Guardian

So wasteful and contemptible".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughly contemptible" to express a strong negative judgment about actions, behaviors, or ideas that you find morally reprehensible or deeply offensive. Ensure the context supports such a strong condemnation.

Common error

Avoid using "thoroughly contemptible" in situations that only warrant mild disapproval. This phrase conveys intense disdain and should be reserved for instances of significant moral failing or extreme offensiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly contemptible" functions primarily as an intensified adjective phrase. The adverb "thoroughly" modifies the adjective "contemptible", amplifying the degree of contemptibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughly contemptible" is a potent phrase used to express strong disapproval and moral outrage. Grammatically, it functions as an intensified adjective phrase, where "thoroughly" amplifies the negativity of "contemptible". As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and most common in news, media, and academic contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, reserve it for situations warranting strong condemnation to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "utterly despicable" or "completely reprehensible" can provide similar emphasis. Remember, this phrase signifies deep disdain, so use it judiciously to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoroughly detestable

Focuses on the quality of being intensely disliked or hated.

utterly loathsome

Emphasizes the intense dislike and disgust that something inspires.

utterly despicable

Emphasizes moral baseness and a complete lack of worth, intensifying the sense of revulsion.

thoroughly objectionable

Highlights that something is unacceptable and offensive.

completely reprehensible

Highlights the blameworthy nature of the action or behavior, focusing on its moral unacceptability.

wholly deplorable

Indicates that something is completely regrettable and deserving of condemnation.

thoroughly offensive

Highlights the upsetting and insulting nature of something.

absolutely abhorrent

Stresses the feeling of intense aversion and repugnance, making the emotional response more explicit.

absolutely outrageous

Stresses the shocking and unacceptable nature of something.

downright disgusting

Uses informal language to emphasize the repulsive nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "thoroughly contemptible" in a sentence?

You can use "thoroughly contemptible" to describe actions or people you find morally reprehensible. For example, "The politician's behavior was "thoroughly contemptible"."

What are some alternatives to "thoroughly contemptible"?

Alternatives include "utterly despicable", "completely reprehensible", or "absolutely abhorrent" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "thoroughly contemptible" in formal writing?

Yes, "thoroughly contemptible" is appropriate for formal writing when conveying strong disapproval or moral outrage. However, ensure the tone aligns with the formality of the piece.

What distinguishes "thoroughly contemptible" from similar phrases like "somewhat contemptible"?

"Thoroughly contemptible" expresses a complete and intense level of disdain, whereas "somewhat contemptible" indicates a lesser degree of disapproval. The choice depends on the severity of the action or behavior being described.