contemptible
adj/kənˈtɛmptəbəl/
Etymology From Middle English contemptible, from Latin contemptibilis. By surface analysis, contempt + -ible.
1
Deserving contempt.
- But a Devil came in juſt in the God-ſpeed, and told them; Gentlemen Philoſophers, (ſays he) if you vvould knovv the VVretched'ſt, and moſt contemptible thing in the VVorld; It is an Alchymiſt: […]1667, Francisco de Quevedo Villegas, “The Sixth Vision of Hell”, in R[oger] L[’Estrange], transl., The Visions of Dom Francisco de Quevedo Villegas, […], London: […] H[enry] Herringman […], →OCLC, page 247:
- Miss Ward's match, indeed, when it came to the point, was not contemptible: Sir Thomas being happily able to give his friend an income in the living of Mansfield […]1814 May 9, [Jane Austen], chapter I, in Mansfield Park: […], volume I, London: […] [George Sidney] for T[homas] Egerton, […], →OCLC, page 2:
1 more example
- And they are dangerous because when worn they make their wearer look ridiculous and contemptible to those not enthralled by the same fashion; and when their moment has passed they take up precious closet space, taunting you and making you lament of money that should have been spent on something more longevous.2006, Nicholas Antongiavanni [pseudonym; Michael Anton], The Suit: A Machiavellian Approach to Men's Style, New York: HarperCollins Publishers, →ISBN, →OCLC, page 52:
2
Obsolete Carrying or having contempt; contemptuous.
- One of the above petitioners had frequently praised Edward in the presence of Robert; but it was evidently disliked by the latter, and always drew from him some contemptible remark reflecting on the humility of his origin.1846, The Cooper's Son:
- But what a contemptible notion must he entertain of this House!1874, John Campbell, Lives of the Lord Chancellors and Keepers of the Great Seal of England, volume 5:
1 more example
- Don't use vulgar curses; you should not be contemptible towards the Court.1882, Bahrāmjī Mehrbānjī Malabārī, anonymous quotee, Gujarát and the Gujarátes:
- Derived terms
- contemptibility, contemptibleness, contemptibly, uncontemptible
- Related terms
- contemptuous