contemptible

/kənˈtemptəbl/ (bre, ipa) · [kəntˈɛmptəbəl] /kənˈtemptəbl/ (ame, ipa) · [kəntˈɛmptəbəl] /kən-ˈtem(p)-tə-bəl How to pronounce contemptible (audio)/ (ame, mw)

contemptible — adjective

  • contemptiblepositive
  • more contemptiblecomparative
  • most contemptiblesuperlative

1. so cruel, dishonest, or mean that people feel the person or act is beneath any r

1.形容詞C1
釋義

so cruel, dishonest, or mean that people feel the person or act is beneath any respect

例句

The landlord's contemptible lie left three families standing outside in the rain.

contemptible + noun for a morally ugly act

Piotr thought it was contemptible to blame the cleaner for his mistake.

it + be + contemptible + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • despicable

    very close in strength; often used for acts that provoke disgust as well as scorn

  • shameful

    more everyday; focuses on something that should cause shame, not always open scorn

  • dishonourable

    more formal; stresses breaking a duty or moral code

反義詞

文法句型

it + be + contemptible + to-infinitive

find/call + noun + contemptible

contemptible + noun

用法筆記

Usually describes behaviour, treatment, lies, or attitudes that deserve moral disgust. It is much stronger than 'bad' or 'rude', so avoid it for small mistakes or everyday annoyance.

常見錯誤

❌The soup was contemptible because it was cold.
✅The soup was terrible because it was cold.
💡contemptible is for morally ugly behaviour, not ordinary poor quality.
❌My brother was contemptible for missing the bus.
✅My brother was careless for missing the bus.
💡missing the bus is a mistake, not the kind of act that deserves scorn.