disdain | disdainful
Exam frequency
GRE
high
Banks
high
Civil Services
high
Meaning(s)
a feeling of contempt or a lack of respect for somebody or something
How to Memorize
disdain - disrespect
Analysis
If you treat somebody or something with ‘disdain’, you behave as if they/it are beneath you and unworthy of your time or attention. It has negative connotations and can cause hurt and offence when directed towards another person.
| Exams | Spoken | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synonyms | distaste,scorn,disregard | ||
| Antonyms | admiration,respect |
Example(s)
In the meeting, Andrew scoffed at my idea and then told me to keep quiet. He treated me with utter disdain.
Roy is quite difficult to manage. He has a disdainful attitude towards authority.
Sarah clearly wasn’t happy with the present I gave her. She looked at it with disdain.