contempt
die Verachtung
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contempt
A very strong feeling of disdain and rejection toward a person or thing that one sees as worthless, bad, or morally reprehensible.
Er sprach mit offener Verachtung über die Entscheidung des Politikers.
He spoke with open contempt about the politician's decision.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| genitive | der Verachtung |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Verachtung | – |
| accusative | die Verachtung | – |
| dative | der Verachtung | – |
| genitive | der Verachtung | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The noun 'die Verachtung' (contempt) is derived from the verb 'verachten' (to despise). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun that describes the state or action.
Er konnte nicht verbergen, dass er seinen Gegner zutiefst verachtete.
He could not hide the fact that he deeply despised his opponent.
The feeling of contempt is directed 'für' (for) someone or something. The preposition 'für' is always followed by the accusative.
Sie empfand nur noch Verachtung für ihren ehemaligen Geschäftspartner.
She felt nothing but contempt for her former business partner.
'Verachtung' (contempt) is often combined with verbs like 'empfinden' (to feel), 'fühlen' (to feel), or 'zeigen' (to show). Typical adjectives are 'tief' (deep), 'offen' (open), or 'pur' (pure).
In seiner Stimme lag eine tiefe Verachtung, als er über den Verrat sprach.
There was deep contempt in his voice when he spoke about the betrayal.
disregard / contempt
Verachtung and Missachtung both express a negative, disrespectful attitude. Verachtung, however, emphasizes a strong feeling that puts down a person or thing as worthless or bad; Missachtung focuses more on deliberately ignoring or failing to follow something. Choose Verachtung for the feeling and Missachtung for the behavior.
Sie zeigte ihre Verachtung für den Betrüger mit einem verächtlichen Blick.
She showed her contempt for the fraudster with a scornful look.
Die Missachtung der Sicherheitsregeln führte zu Problemen.
Disregarding the safety rules led to problems.
