disprezzo
contemptProvo un grande disprezzo per chi mente senza vergogna.
I feel great contempt for those who lie shamelessly.
The feeling that someone or something is worthless, inferior, or deserves no respect.
Il suo disprezzo per la corruzione era evidente nel suo discorso.
His contempt for corruption was evident in his speech.
Non provo altro che disprezzo per chi tradisce gli amici.
I feel nothing but contempt for those who betray friends.
Used in both personal and societal contexts to express strong disapproval or scorn.
Collocations
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoiding confusion with 'disgusto'
'Disprezzo' refers to moral contempt, while 'disgusto' refers to physical or emotional disgust (e.g., 'Mi fa schifo' = 'It disgusts me').
Gold Rule
When to use 'disprezzo'
Use 'disprezzo' when someone's actions or character are seen as morally reprehensible or beneath consideration, not just unpleasant.
Word Origin
From Latin *despectus*, past participle of *despicere* (to look down on), from *de-* (down) + *specere* (to look).
Usage Notes
Disprezzo is stronger than 'disgusto' (disgust) and implies moral judgment rather than physical revulsion. It is often used in formal or literary contexts.