Despise Meaning in English
word
/dɪˈspaɪz/
di-SPYZ
/dɪspˈaɪz/
di-SPYZ
Definition
To strongly dislike or feel deep disrespect and hatred toward someone or something.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and strong; more intense than 'dislike' or 'hate,' often used for moral or personal judgment. Common with abstract nouns ('despise injustice'), or with 'for' ('despise him for lying'). Rare in casual speech.
Spanish: despreciar - detestarPortuguese (BR): desprezar - odiarPortuguese (PT): desprezar - odiarChinese (Simplified): 鄙视 - 厌恶Chinese (Traditional): 鄙視 - 厭惡Hindi: घृणा करना - तिरस्कार करनाArabic: يحتقر - يمقتBengali: অবজ্ঞা করা - ঘৃণা করাRussian: презиратьJapanese: 軽蔑する - 嫌悪するVietnamese: khinh thường - căm ghétKorean: 경멸하다 - 혐오하다Turkish: aşağılamak - hor görmekUrdu: حقارت سے دیکھنا - نفرت کرناIndonesian: khinh thường - ghét cay ghét đắng
Example Sentences
She despises cheating on exams.
basic
I despise vegetables like broccoli.
basic
They despise being lied to.
basic
I despise how some people treat animals.
natural
He acts friendly, but secretly despises his coworkers.
natural
People who despise authority often rebel against rules.
natural