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"Desprecio" is a form of "desprecio", a noun which is often translated as "contempt". "Desdén" is a noun which is often translated as "disdain". Learn more about the difference between "desdén" and "desprecio" below.
el desdén(
dehs
-
dehn
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (general)
a. disdain
El desdén del médico por sus pacientes más pobres era evidente.The doctor's disdain for his poorer patients was obvious.
b. contempt
Marco es misógino y me trata con desdén ya que soy mujer.Marco is a misogynist and treats me with contempt because I'm a woman.
c. scorn
El presidente no intentó ocultar su desdén por el pueblo.The president did not attempt to hide his scorn for the people.
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Me horrorizó el desdén con que mi abuela trataba al camarero.I was shocked by the disdainful way my grandmother treated the waiter.
Mateo me miró con desdén, como si hubiera soltado una palabrota.Mateo looked at me disdainfully, as if I'd uttered a rude word.
el desprecio(
dehs
-
preh
-
syoh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (derision)
a. contempt
Expresa desprecio para los que no comparten sus creencias.He expresses contempt for those who don't share his beliefs.
b. disdain
Mi último jefe trataba cualquier pregunta con desprecio.My last boss treated any questions with disdain.
c. scorn
Te prometo que no te vuelvo a mirar con desprecio.I promise I will never look at you with scorn again.
2. (affront)
a. disregard
El rey mostraba un desprecio total por la gente pobre.The king displayed an utter disregard for poor people.
