despicable
UK: /dɪˈspɪkəb(ə)l/ | US: /dɪˈspɪkəb(ə)l/
adj. deserving strong moral condemnation; contemptible
adj. (archaic) fit to be despised; worthless
despicable = de<down> + spic<look> + able<capable of>
- de (Latin prefix): "down" or "away," indicating reversal or negativity.
- spic (from Latin specere): "to look," seen in words like "inspect" or "suspect."
- able (suffix): "capable of," forming adjectives indicating susceptibility or worthiness.
Etymology Origin:
The word "despicable" originates from the Latin despicabilis, derived from despicari ("to look down on"). The morpheme de- ("down") + spic- ("look") literally means "to look down upon," reflecting disdain. Over time, it evolved in English (via Old French) to describe actions or people deemed morally contemptible. The suffix -able reinforces the idea of being "worthy of scorn."
His despicable actions shocked the entire community.
Stealing from the poor is a truly despicable crime.
The villain's behavior in the story was utterly despicable.
She found his lies not just hurtful but despicable.
History remembers the tyrant for his despicable treatment of prisoners.