despise - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
despise Word Meanings
- to intensely dislike something or someone
- to regard with contempt
- to scorn
despise Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
despise Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪsˈpaɪz/
US
/dɪˈspaɪz/
despise Word Etymology
despire = de- (down, away) + spicere (to look) → Latin 'despicere' → Old French 'despicer' → English. Imagine someone looking disdainfully downwards, turning away from what they despise.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Despise means to feel an intense, almost moral contempt for someone or something. It goes beyond simply disliking; you may actively scorn or look down on the object of your contempt. You can despise a behavior, a person, or a situation. It often carries moral judgment and a sense that the thing is unworthy of respect. In everyday speech, you might say you despise plagiarism, corruption, or cruelty. In formal writing, be careful: despise is strong and may sound judgmental. It can be used with verbs like 'despise openly' or 'despise something as beneath you.' The word invites a vivid, charged tone, so choose it when you want to convey moral repugnance clearly.
Usage Reminders
- Keep it strong but not abusive
- Despise is about moral judgment, not just dislike
- Avoid using with people you respect in casual talk
- Pair with concrete behaviors, not people as a whole
- Choose despise for formal, literary, or passionate tone
- Test alternatives like detest or loathe in softer contexts
Common Misconceptions
- Despise = hate = detest
- Despise is only about feelings, not actions
- You can despise people without moral judgment
- Despise is appropriate in all informal contexts
- Using despise means you condone the object’s flaws
Thinking Differences
Explain despise to an English speaker as a strong moral judgment, stronger than hate but less common in casual speech; emphasize its formal or literary tone.
Learning Tips
- Compare despise with hate and detest to feel the nuance
- Use in writing to convey moral judgment, not casual dislike
- Pair with concrete actions, e. g., despise lying, not people
- Watch tone: avoid using with people you know well in polite settings
- Practice with formal contexts like essays or critiques
- Check fraud, cruelty, hypocrisy as common targets
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'despise'?
A.Love
B.Hate
C.Ignore
D.Laugh
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'despise' correctly?
A.I despise helping others.
B.I despise my favorite food.
C.I despise eating chocolate.
D.I despise the sunset.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'despise'?
A.Admire
B.Desire
C.Enjoy
D.Detest
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an opposite of 'despise'?
A.Like
B.Support
C.Respect
D.Praise
Step 5: Mastery
In what situation would you most likely despise something or someone?
A.When facing injustice
B.When getting good news
C.When receiving a gift
D.When spending time with friends
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