1
Core meaning
A feeling or expression of contemptuous disrespect and intense dislike.
Example
The proposal was initially met with scorn.
scorn
/skɔːn/ · SKORNnoun
A feeling or expression of contemptuous disrespect and intense dislike.
Use scorn to express this relationship precisely: a feeling or expression of contemptuous disrespect and intense dislike.
What scorn Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
She expressed scorn for officials who exploited the vulnerable.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
Disagreement turned into scorn when the insults began.
Use scorn Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The proposal was initially met with scorn.
She expressed scorn for officials who exploited the vulnerable.
Disagreement turned into scorn when the insults began.
Precision Matters
Scorn overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
scorn
vs.Means a feeling or expression of contemptuous disrespect and intense dislike.
venerate
Means regard or treat someone or something with profound respect, reverence, or devotion.
scorn
vs.Means a feeling or expression of contemptuous disrespect and intense dislike.
empathy
Means the ability to understand and share another person's feelings or perspective.
scorn
vs.Means a feeling or expression of contemptuous disrespect and intense dislike.
prestige
Means high respect, admiration, status, or influence gained through achievement, quality, reputation, or association.
scorn
vs.Means a feeling or expression of contemptuous disrespect and intense dislike.
contempt
Means a feeling or expression that someone or something is worthless, inferior, or deserving of scorn.
Test scorn in Context
The attitude combines contempt, disrespect, and intense dislike.
1
The critic spoke of the young artists with open ___, dismissing their work as worthless.