What does "disdain" mean?
A feeling of contempt or scorn.
Disdain
/dɪsˈdeɪn/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A feeling of contempt or scorn.
- Grammar: disdain is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: contempt, scorn, condescension, contemn.
- Useful contrasts: deep reverence, favorable regard, occitan reveréncia.
- Usage evidence: Joyful let the soul be in the present, let it disdain to trouble about what is beyond and temper bitterness with a laugh. Nothing is blessed forever.
How to use "disdain"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "disdain" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "disdain" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "disdain" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "disdain" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "disdain" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "contempt" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "disdain", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A feeling of contempt or scorn. uncountable
"The cat viewed the cheap supermarket catfood with disdain and stalked away."
- 2 a communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient wordnet
- 3 That which is worthy to be disdained or regarded with contempt and aversion. obsolete, uncountable
"Most loathsom, filthy, foul, and full of vile Disdain."
- 4 lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike wordnet
- 5 The state of being despised; shame. obsolete, uncountable
"The leaves and fruit maintain'd with beauty's sun ; Exempt from envy , but not from disdain"
Verb
- 1 To regard (someone or something) with strong contempt. transitive
"When the Philistine […] saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth."
- 2 reject with contempt wordnet
- 3 To be indignant or offended. intransitive, obsolete
"When the chefe prestes and scribes sawe, the marveylles that he dyd [...], they desdayned, and sayde unto hym: hearest thou what these saye?"
- 4 look down on with disdain wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"Joyful let the soul be in the present, let it disdain to trouble about what is beyond and temper bitterness with a laugh. Nothing is blessed forever."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "disdain"?
Common synonyms include: contempt, scorn, condescension, contemn, abhor, abjure.
How do you use "disdain" in a sentence?
Joyful let the soul be in the present, let it disdain to trouble about what is beyond and temper bitterness with a laugh. Nothing is blessed forever.
How do you pronounce "disdain"?
Pronounced /dɪsˈdeɪn/.
Etymology
From Middle English disdeynen, from Old French desdeignier (modern French dédaigner).