Despise Meaning
/dɪˈspaɪz/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo regard with contempt or scorn.
verbTo disregard or ignore.
Sentence Examples
I utterly despise formal writing!
The rich sometimes despise the poor.
You should not despise a man because he is poorly paid.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Many people ____ the sound of nails scraping on a chalkboard.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
I utterly ____ formal writing!
Word Origin & History
From Middle English despisen, from Old French despis-, stem of despire, from Latin dēspicere (“to look down upon, despise, scorn”), from dē (“down”) + speciō (“to look at”). Displaced native Old English forsēon.
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Many people ____ the sound of nails scraping on a chalkboard.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
I utterly ____ formal writing!