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desprecio

contempt; scorn

noun dehs-PREH-syoh Rare
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Origin: From despreciar (to despise), from des- + apreciar, from Latin appretiare.

Usage Note

Desprecio is the noun of despreciar (to despise, to snub). It can refer to an active act of disdain — mostrar desprecio — or the underlying feeling. The phrase con desprecio (with contempt, contemptuously) is common. Do not confuse with despreciativo (contemptuous, dismissive as an adjective) or menosprecio (undervaluation, belittlement), which is a close synonym.

Examples

"Le miró con absoluto desprecio y no respondió."

Natural Translation

He looked at her with absolute contempt and did not reply.

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