desprecio
/des-PRE-syoh/
scorn
The act of dismissing something as completely worthless illustrates 'desprecio' as scorn.
desprecio(noun)
scorn
?a feeling that someone or something is worthless
,contempt
?stronger feeling of dislike and lack of respect
snub
?an act of ignoring or treating someone with no respect
,disregard
?ignoring rules or importance
📝 In Action
Me miró con desprecio cuando le pedí ayuda.
B1He looked at me with scorn when I asked him for help.
Siento un profundo desprecio por los mentirosos.
B2I feel deep contempt for liars.
Su desprecio por la seguridad es muy peligroso.
C1His disregard for safety is very dangerous.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Desprecio' with Feelings
When talking about who you feel this for, use the word 'hacia' (towards) or 'por' (for). For example: 'desprecio hacia el enemigo'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Desprecio vs. Descuento
Mistake: "Using 'desprecio' to ask for a lower price."
Correction: Use 'descuento' (discount) or 'rebaja' (sale). 'Desprecio' means you think something is worthless in a mean way!
⭐ Usage Tips
Strong Emotion
This is a very strong word. Use it only when you want to describe a serious lack of respect, as it can sound quite harsh.
Looking down on something from a position of superiority represents the feeling of 'desprecio'.
desprecio(verb)
I despise
?stating that you look down on someone/something
I look down on
?considering someone inferior
📝 In Action
Yo desprecio la injusticia en todas sus formas.
B2I despise injustice in all its forms.
Si desprecio su oferta, se sentirá ofendido.
B2If I reject/scorn his offer, he will feel offended.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular '-ar' Verb
This verb follows the exact same pattern as 'hablar'. Once you know the 'hablar' pattern, you can conjugate 'despreciar' perfectly!
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: desprecio
Question 1 of 2
Which word is the opposite of 'desprecio'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'desprecio' the same as 'odio' (hate)?
Not exactly. 'Odio' is a very intense, active anger. 'Desprecio' is more about looking down on someone or thinking they are beneath you or worthless.
Can 'desprecio' be used for things, or just people?
Both! You can have 'desprecio' for a person's behavior, for a set of rules, or for a specific object you think is low-quality.