contempt
gb/kəntˈɛmpt/ us/kəntˈɛmpt/
B2
English
~ 2500
megvetés, bíróság megsértése
NOUN
B2
1
megvetés
B2
Usage pattern:
to feel [contempt] for [someone/something]
She looked at him with open contempt after his rude remark.
A durva megjegyzése után nyílt megvetéssel nézett rá.
The politician spoke with contempt about his opponent's policies.
A politikus megvetéssel beszélt ellenfele politikájáról.
His contempt for authority got him into trouble at work.
They treated the safety rules with complete contempt.
Contempt for the law can lead to serious consequences.
Learner examples
She felt contempt for the thief.
Megvetést érzett a tolvaj iránt.
He spoke with contempt about the idea.
Megvetéssel beszélt az ötletről.
I saw contempt in her eyes.
They showed contempt for the rules.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'contempt' with 'content' due to similar spelling, but the meanings are unrelated.
Meaning
Strong dislike and disrespect
Collocations
hold in contempt
|feel contempt for
|treat with contempt
|look of contempt
|express contempt
Synonyms
disdain (Slightly more formal and literary; often interchangeable but may suggest a cooler, more detached attitude.)
|
scorn (Carries a sharper, more openly insulting tone than 'contempt'.)
Antonyms
respect (Represents positive regard and admiration, the opposite of contempt.)
|
admiration (Implies positive recognition of worth, directly opposed to contempt's negative judgment.)
Themes
emotions
|social
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A strong feeling that you do not respect someone or something and think they are not worth your attention.
A strong feeling that someone or something is not worthy of respect or approval.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
to be in [contempt of court]
The witness was held in contempt for refusing to answer questions.
A tanút a bíróság megsértése miatt elmarasztalták, mert nem volt hajlandó válaszolni a kérdésekre.
He faced charges of contempt of court after shouting at the judge.
Bíróság megsértése miatt emeltek vádat ellene, miután kiabált a bíróval.
Contempt of court can result in fines or jail time.
Learner examples
The man was in contempt of court.
A férfi a bíróság megsértését követte el.
She was held in contempt for not speaking.
A bíróság megsértése miatt elmarasztalták, mert nem volt hajlandó megszólalni.
He went to jail for contempt of court.
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'contempt of court' is about having a bad opinion of the court; it is actually about disobedience or disrespect in legal proceedings.
Meaning
Disobedience to a court
Collocations
held in contempt
|contempt of court
|found in contempt
Synonyms
defiance (In legal context, refers to open resistance to authority; broader than contempt of court.)
Antonyms
compliance (Following rules or orders, the opposite of contempt in legal settings.)
Themes
law
|justice
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Breaking the rules of a court or showing no respect to a judge or court.
The offense of being disobedient or disrespectful toward a court of law and its officials.
Grammar
Dictionary form
contempt
IPA
GB/kəntˈɛmpt/
US/kəntˈɛmpt/
Syllables & stress
con - tempt (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tempt)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: contempt
- Plural: contempt
Word family
Core family
Advanced or less common
contemptibly
adverb
Expressions
contempt of court
1/kəntˈɛmpt əv kˈɔɹt/
fixed phrase
formal
Legal offense against a court
When someone breaks the rules or shows no respect in a court of law.
Examples
- The journalist was fined for contempt of court after publishing restricted information.
- Refusing to testify can lead to a charge of contempt of court.
hold in contempt
1/hˈoʊld ˈɪn kəntˈɛmpt/
fixed phrase
Have strong disrespect for someone/something
To strongly dislike and have no respect for someone or something.
Examples
- Many citizens hold corrupt politicians in contempt.
- He openly holds his former boss in contempt.
treat with contempt
1/tɹˈit wˈɪθ kəntˈɛmpt/
fixed phrase
Act toward without respect
To act towards someone or something as if they are not important or not worth respect.
Examples
- They treated the safety regulations with contempt, ignoring all warnings.
- She treated his advice with open contempt.