contemptible
UK: kənˈtɛmptɪb(ə)l | US: kənˈtɛmptəb(ə)l
adj. deserving contempt; despicable
adj. worthy of scorn or disdain
contemptible = contempt<scorn> + ible<capable of>
- contempt (from Latin contemptus, past participle of contemnere "to scorn," from con- (intensive) + temnere "to despise")
- ible (suffix forming adjectives meaning "capable of," from Latin -ibilis)
Etymology Origin:
The word contemptible traces back to Latin contemptus, reflecting the idea of "looking down upon" someone or something with disdain. The suffix -ible transforms the noun into an adjective, emphasizing the quality of being deserving of scorn. Over time, it evolved in Middle English via Old French, retaining its core meaning of moral or social worthlessness.
His cowardly actions were utterly contemptible.
The judge dismissed the defendant’s contemptible excuses.
Betraying a friend’s trust is a contemptible act.
The politician’s lies made him contemptible in the public eye.
Such selfish behavior is truly contemptible.