adj.
Pronunciation: k ə n- ' tem(p)-t ə -b ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 : worthy of contempt
2 obsolete : SCORNFUL , CONTEMPTUOUS
– con · tempt · i · bil · i · ty \ - ˌ tem(p)-t ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē \ noun
– con · tempt · ible · ness noun
– con · tempt · ibly \ - ' tem(p)-t ə -bl ē \ adverb
synonyms CONTEMPTIBLE , DESPICABLE , PITIABLE , SORRY , SCURVY mean arousing or deserving scorn. CONTEMPTIBLE may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values <a contemptible liar>. DESPICABLE may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation <a despicable crime>. PITIABLE applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity <a pitiable attempt at tragedy>. SORRY may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness <this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car>. SCURVY adds to DESPICABLE an implication of arousing disgust <a scurvy crew of hangers-on>.