What does “Familiarity breeds contempt” mean?
"Familiarity breeds contempt" means that when you become too familiar with someone or something, you start to dislike or disrespect them.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I used to love that TV show, but now that I've seen every episode multiple times, familiarity breeds contempt.
Example
They say familiarity breeds contempt, and I think that's what happened in our relationship.
Example
At first, I thought working from home would be great, but familiarity breeds contempt and now I can't wait to go back to the office
Is “Familiarity breeds contempt” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Familiarity breeds contempt” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Familiarity breeds contempt” effectively in context?
You can use "Familiarity breeds contempt" to explain how prolonged exposure to someone or something can lead to negative feelings or a loss of respect. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this proverb effectively:
- 1Friendships
At first, they were good friends, but familiarity breeds contempt. The more they got to know each other, the more they started disliking each other.
- 2Workplace
They used to admire their boss, but familiarity breeds contempt. The more they worked closely with him, the more they realized his flaws and lost respect for him.
- 3Living in a Place
They say familiarity breeds contempt. The longer you live in a place, the more you start noticing its flaws and become less fond of it.
Similar phrases to “Familiarity breeds contempt”:
Familiarity breeds contentment
The more someone is exposed to someone or something, the more likely they are to develop a liking or satisfaction with them.
Example
They say familiarity breeds contentment. The longer they lived in the neighborhood, the more they grew to love it.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Familiarity breeds contempt” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Familiarity breeds contempt" can be traced back to the Roman poet Publius Afer. He wrote, 'Familiarity breeds contempt when a man is too well known to another not to be disliked.' The idea behind the proverb is that the more someone is exposed to someone or something, the more likely they are to develop a dislike or lack of respect for them.
Is “Familiarity breeds contempt” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Familiarity breeds contempt" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. People use it to explain how familiarity can sometimes lead to negative feelings or a loss of respect.
What tone does “Familiarity breeds contempt” have?
"Familiarity breeds contempt" conveys a tone of caution and warning. It suggests that getting too familiar with someone or something can have negative consequences.
Can “Familiarity breeds contempt” be used in informal and formal settings?
The proverb "Familiarity breeds contempt" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It can be used in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, discussions, or writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The proverb is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They used to be close, but familiarity breeds contempt.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Familiarity breeds contempt!' to imply the negative consequences of becoming too familiar with someone or something.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- overfamiliarity leads to contempt
- too much familiarity breeds disrespect
- excessive familiarity results in disdain
- the more you know, the less you like
- closeness breeds contempt
Antonyms
- distance breeds admiration
- unfamiliarity breeds curiosity
- lack of exposure leads to respect
- ignorance breeds admiration
- novelty breeds fascination
