Words That Sound Alike: Contemptible and Contemptuous Explained

Understanding the Difference: Contemptible vs. Contemptuous

In English, words can be tricky. Two words, contemptible and contemptuous, are like that. They sound alike but mean different things. Let’s learn about them!

Word History

Contemptible comes from the Latin word “contemptibilis,” meaning “deserving of contempt”. It means something that is low or bad. Contemptuous comes from the Latin word “contemptuosus,” meaning “scornful”. It describes a feeling someone has when they look down on something or someone.

How to Use Them

Contemptible

This word describes something that is bad or not worthy of respect. It’s about the thing or action itself.

• The thief’s actions were contemptible.
• Cheating on a test is a contemptible act.
• He said a contemptible lie to his friends.
• The way he treated his dog was contemptible.
• Bullying is a contemptible behavior.

Contemptuous

This word shows the feeling of someone who looks down on another person or thing. It’s about the person’s attitude.

• She gave him a contemptuous look.
• His contemptuous laugh hurt her feelings.
• The teacher spoke in a contemptuous tone.
• He acted contemptuous towards his brother.
• The critic’s review was contemptuous.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of “contemptible” as the bad thing or behavior (the b in contemptible). Remember “contemptuous” as u when you feel a mean way about others (u for you feeling superior).

Summary

Use contemptible for things that are bad or low. Use contemptuous when someone shows they think they’re better than others. Remember the b in contemptible for bad things, and the u in contemptuous for your mean feelings.