disdain
UK: dɪsˈdeɪn | US: dɪsˈdeɪn
n. a feeling of contempt or scorn for someone or something regarded as unworthy
vt. to regard or treat with contempt; scorn
The word "disdain" originates from Old French desdeign (contempt), derived from Latin dedignari ("to deem unworthy"). The prefix dis- (away/apart) negates dain, which traces back to Latin dignus (worthy). Over time, dain (from Old French deignier) evolved to mean "honor" or "worth," while dis- inverted its meaning to "scorn." The morpheme dain is preserved in modern English "deign" (to condescend), showcasing a shared root of perceived worthiness.
She eyed the cheap imitation with undisguised disdain.
He disdained to reply to the insult, walking away silently.
Their disdain for modern art was evident in their critical remarks.
The aristocrat treated the peasant’s offer with cold disdain.
Politicians often face public disdain for broken promises.