World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesDespise
/dɪˈspaɪz/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To feel contempt or a deep repugnance for someone or something.
"She came to despise him for his dishonesty and lack of integrity." - 2
To regard something as being unworthy of consideration or respect.
"He despises shortcuts and insists on doing every task thoroughly."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Old French despisier, tracing back to the Latin despicere meaning to look down upon, composed of de- (down) and specere (to look). It entered the English language in the Middle English period, initially retaining the literal sense of looking down on someone with contempt before shifting to its current emotional meaning of intense dislike.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Despise"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Despise" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
mépriser
Transliteration: mey-pree-zey
"Il méprise ceux qui abusent de leur pouvoir."
verachten
Transliteration: fer-akh-ten
"Sie verachtet jede Form von Unehrlichkeit."
disprezzare
Transliteration: dis-pret-tsa-re
"Tutti tendono a disprezzare il tradimento."
despreciar
Transliteration: des-pre-syar
"No debes despreciar los consejos de los mayores."
desprezar
Transliteration: des-pre-zar
"Ele passou a desprezar a hipocrisia."
घृणा करना
Transliteration: ghrina karna
"वह बेईमान लोगों से घृणा करता है।"
鄙视
Transliteration: bǐshì
"她鄙视那些欺负弱小的人。"
경멸하다
Transliteration: gyeong-myeol-ha-da
"우리는 거짓말하는 것을 경멸해야 한다."
軽蔑する
Transliteration: keibetsu suru
"彼は嘘をつく人を心底軽蔑している。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA secondary residence owned or rented by a family or individual, used primarily for recreational purposes, holidays, or seasonal getaways.
Not producing or containing venom; incapable of injecting poison through a bite, sting, or other mechanism.
Placing the customer's needs, experiences, and preferences at the center of a business's philosophy, operations, and decision-making.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Despise"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.