Disdain refers to a feeling or expression of contempt, scorn, or a lack of respect for someone or something. It involves looking down on others, often accompanied by a sense of superiority. Disdain can manifest in actions, words, or body language, such as a dismissive tone, sneering, or ignoring. It is generally a negative emotion that reflects a judgmental attitude and is associated with feelings of disdainful superiority. In Indonesian, “disdain” can be translated as “penghinaan,” “kesombongan,” or “rasa rendah hati.”
Synonyms of “Disdain”:
- Contempt (penghinaan)
- Scorn (ejekan)
- Disrespect (ketidak-hormatan)
- Arrogance (kesombongan)
- Contemptuousness (sifat penghinaan)
- Disparagement (penghinaan)
- Derision (ejekan)
- Sneering (memandang rendah)
- Snobbery (kesombongan)
- Superciliousness (keangkuhan)
Example Sentences Using “Disdain”:
- She looked at the messy room with disdain, unable to understand how anyone could live like that.
- His disdain for authority made him a difficult employee.
- She felt a sense of disdain towards people who were always late.
- He spoke with disdain, making it clear that he thought the idea was foolish.
- The aristocrat’s disdain for the common people was evident in his remarks.
- Her eyes revealed her disdain for the outdated methods being used in the office.
- He felt disdain for those who did not value hard work.
- There was an air of disdain among the competitors as they waited for the results.
- His expression of disdain left no doubt that he was unimpressed with the presentation.
- She treated her classmates with disdain, often belittling their opinions.
Related Words:
- Contempt (penghinaan)
- Arrogance (kesombongan)
- Superiority (superioritas)
- Snobbery (kesombongan)
- Derision (ejekan)
- Prejudice (prasangka)
- Scorn (ejekan)
- Disrespect (ketidak-hormatan)
- Disapproval (ketidaksetujuan)
- Neglect (pengabaian)
Antonyms of “Disdain”:
- Respect (hormatan)
- Admiration (penghormatan)
- Regard (penghargaan)
- Appreciation (penghargaan)
- Esteem (penghormatan)
- Humility (kerendahan hati)
- Tolerance (toleransi)
- Acceptance (penerimaan)
- Affection (kasih sayang)
- Courtesy (kesopanan)
Phrasal Verbs Related to “Disdain”:
- Look down on – To regard someone or something with disdain or contempt (“She tends to look down on people who don’t share her views.”)
- Turn up your nose at – To reject or disdain something in a snobbish or superior way (“He turned up his nose at the cheap restaurant, insisting on a more expensive place.”)
- Brush off – To dismiss someone or something with disdain, ignoring their value or importance (“She brushed off the suggestion as if it were beneath her.”)
- Write off – To dismiss something or someone as unworthy of consideration (“He wrote off the proposal without even considering it.”)
- Sneer at – To express disdain through a mocking or contemptuous facial expression or remark (“She sneered at the idea of taking a part-time job.”)
Idiomatic Expressions Related to “Disdain”:
- “Throw shade” – To subtly or openly express disdain or disrespect for someone or something.
- “Look down your nose at” – To act superior or disdainful toward someone or something.
- “Put someone in their place” – To assert dominance or superiority, often in a disdainful manner.
- “Act high and mighty” – To behave in a self-important and disdainful way.
- “Give someone the cold shoulder” – To ignore someone or treat them with disdain.
How to Handle Disdain
Experiencing or dealing with disdain can be difficult, but here are some ways to handle it:
- Don’t take it personally – People may express disdain due to their own insecurities or prejudices.
- Stay composed – Responding with disdain or anger will only escalate the situation.
- Address it directly – If you feel disrespected, calmly express how the behavior affects you.
- Set boundaries – If someone consistently treats you with disdain, it may be necessary to distance yourself or set clear boundaries.
- Practice empathy – Sometimes, understanding the reasons behind disdain can help you address the underlying issues.
Conclusion
Disdain is a negative emotion that reflects a lack of respect or contempt for others. It can damage relationships and create an atmosphere of hostility if left unchecked. Managing disdain effectively requires empathy, communication, and self-control, ensuring that differences can be resolved in a constructive and respectful way. By focusing on mutual respect and understanding, it’s possible to reduce disdainful attitudes and foster healthier interactions.
