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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.
'Disprezzo' refers to moral contempt, while 'disgusto' refers to physical or emotional disgust (e.g., 'Mi fa schifo' = 'It disgusts me').
Use 'disprezzo' when someone's actions or character are seen as morally reprehensible or beneath consideration, not just unpleasant.
From Latin *despectus*, past participle of *despicere* (to look down on), from *de-* (down) + *specere* (to look).
Disprezzo is stronger than 'disgusto' (disgust) and implies moral judgment rather than physical revulsion. It is often used in formal or literary contexts.