How to Pronounce "familiarity breeds contempt"
expression
fuh-MIL-YAIR-uh-tee BREEDZ kun-TEMPT
fuh-MIL-ee-AIR-i-tee BREEDZ kun-TEMPT
Definition
This proverb means that if you know someone or something very well, you might start to lose respect for them or it, and take them for granted.
IPA Transcription
American English
fəˌmɪɫˈjɛɹəti/ /ˈbɹidz/ /kənˈtɛmpt
British English
fəmˌɪlɪˈæɹɪti/ /bɹˈiːdz/ /kəntˈɛmpt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
fuh-MIL-YAIR-uh-tee BREEDZ kun-TEMPT
UK
fuh-MIL-ee-AIR-i-tee BREEDZ kun-TEMPT
Listen in Context
Familiarity breeds contempt when friends share too much time together and start to annoy each other.
My grandmother often says 'familiarity breeds contempt' about siblings who fight a lot.
Some people believe that familiarity breeds contempt in close relationships.
After working with my boss for years, I realize familiarity breeds contempt—I notice every little flaw now.