What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disdained
Example
She disdained his offer to help her. [disdained: verb]
Example
The company disdained the idea of using cheaper materials for their products. [disdained: past tense]
Example
He looked at the old car with disdain. [disdain: noun]
despise
Example
I despise people who lie. [despise: verb]
Example
She despised the way he treated her. [despised: past tense]
Example
He has a deep despise for injustice. [despise: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Despise is more commonly used than disdain in everyday language. Despise is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while disdain is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disdained and despise?
Disdain is typically associated with a more formal tone, while despise can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in various formality levels.
