despise
Translation
to despise, to scorn, to detest
Examples
I despise liars.
I despise liars.
She despised him for his cruelty.
She despised him for his cruelty.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to feel a strong dislike for (sb./sth.) I despise liars.
((sb. for sth.)) to dislike (sb.) for a reason She despised him for his cruelty.
Similar Words
Synonyms: detest, hate, loathe, scorn; Antonyms: admire, respect, love
Etymology
From Latin 'de-' (down) + 'specere' (to look at). The core idea is 'to look down on' someone or something.
Memory Tips
Imagine looking 'down' ('de-') on a 'spy' you don't trust. You despise them.