“Contemptible” means deserving contempt; “contemptuous” describes showing or expressing contempt. A contemptuous person or expression shows disdain; a contemptible act or person is judged worthy of disdain.
ReviewedEvidence2 sourcesSectionEnglish Usage
Quick answer
“Contemptible” means deserving contempt; “contemptuous” describes showing or expressing contempt.
Key details
Confusion Familyword choice
Rule Familyvocabulary choice
Termscontemptible, contemptuous
Variant ScopeA contemptuous person or expression shows disdain; a contemptible act or person is judged worthy of disdain.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Contemptible” means deserving contempt; “contemptuous” describes showing or expressing contempt.
Fast Test
Ask whether something deserves contempt (“contemptible”) or displays contempt (“contemptuous”).
Usage Boundary
A contemptuous person or expression shows disdain; a contemptible act or person is judged worthy of disdain.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
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