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Definition of disdain

disdain

/dɪsˈdeɪn/
dis · dain
Adverb:disdainfully
•
Adjective:disdainful
•
Past Simple:disdained
•
Past Participle:disdained
•
Present Participle:disdaining
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disdain Lexical Profile

disdain Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect.

Example

"She looked at the poorly written proposal with undisguised disdain."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To consider someone or something to be unworthy of one's consideration or respect.

Example

"Many traditional scholars initially disdained popular fiction as unworthy of serious study."

2

To refuse to do something out of feelings of pride or superiority.

Example

"The veteran journalist disdained to respond to the baseless rumors circulating online."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for disdain
Antonyms
View all antonyms for disdain

• Rhymes for disdain

• Nearby Words

discuss
discussable
discussion
disdain
disdainful
disdainfully
disease

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French desdeignier, from Vulgar Latin *disdignare, formed from Latin dis- ('not') and dignare ('to deem worthy'), from dignus ('worthy').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Disdain. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/disdain
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