Inklingo

despreciable

des-pre-SYAH-bleh/despreˈθjaβle/

despreciable means despicable in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

despicable, contemptible

Also: vile
Adjectivem or fB2
A shadowy figure in a dark cloak stealing a small toy from a crying child's hand.

📝 In Action

Mentirle a un amigo es un acto despreciable.

B2

Lying to a friend is a despicable act.

Ese hombre es una persona despreciable por cómo trata a los demás.

B2

That man is a despicable person because of how he treats others.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • un acto despreciablea despicable act
  • una conducta despreciabledespicable conduct

negligible, insignificant

Adjectivem or fC1formal
A single tiny grain of sand sitting next to a very large, smooth beach stone.

📝 In Action

El riesgo de accidente es prácticamente despreciable.

C1

The risk of an accident is practically negligible.

Hubo una cantidad despreciable de lluvia este mes.

B2

There was an insignificant amount of rain this month.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • una cantidad despreciablea negligible amount
  • un error despreciablea negligible error

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "despreciable" in Spanish:

contemptibledespicableinsignificantnegligiblevile

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: despreciable

Question 1 of 1

If a scientist says the error in a calculation is 'despreciable', what do they mean?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

From the Spanish verb 'despreciar' (to despise), which comes from 'precio' (price/value). It literally means something that is 'not worth a price' or is 'worthy of being looked down upon'.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: dépréciableItalian: disprezzabile

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'despreciable' always mean 'evil'?

No. While it often describes a 'despicable' person or act, it is also frequently used in technical settings to mean 'insignificant' or 'tiny'.

How do I make it plural?

Just add -s: 'despreciables'. This works for both masculine and feminine nouns.