The spelling of the phrase "hold contempt" may seem straightforward, but its pronunciation can be a bit tricky. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /hoʊld kənˈtɛmpt/. The "o" in "hold" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, while the "e" in "contempt" is pronounced with a short "e" sound. The stress is on the second syllable of "contempt". The phrase means to have a strong dislike or disrespect for someone or something.
"Hold contempt" is a phrase used to describe the act of maintaining or harboring a strong feeling of disdain, disgust, or disrespect towards someone or something. Contempt, in this context, refers to a deep-seated feeling of scorn or contemptuousness that is carried or held onto over a period of time.
When someone holds contempt, they view the person or thing with strong disapproval or disregard. This sentiment is often accompanied by a lack of respect, esteem, or regard for the individual or situation in question. It involves a persistent negative attitude or sentiment that goes beyond a temporary feeling of anger or frustration.
To "hold contempt" implies that the feeling is sustained or long-lasting, indicating a deep-rooted sentiment of disregard or dislike. It suggests that the individual is unwilling to let go of these negative emotions and instead continuously maintains this negative perception of the person or subject. The person holding contempt may express their disdain through their actions, statements, or overall demeanor.
The act of holding contempt can have various underlying causes, such as personal conflicts, ideological disagreements, or a perceived violation of values or principles. It can also stem from a sense of superiority or a belief that the target of contempt is undeserving of respect or consideration.
In summary, holding contempt refers to the persistent maintenance of a strong feeling of disregard, scorn, or disrespect towards someone or something over an extended period of time.
The phrase "hold contempt" does not have a specific etymology as it is composed of two separate words. However, we can examine the origins of each word individually.
- "Hold" comes from the Old English word "healdan", which means "to grasp, keep, possess". It is also related to the German word "halten" and the Dutch word "houden", both of which have similar meanings.
- "Contempt" comes from the Latin word "contemptus", which is the past participle of "contemnere" meaning "to despise, scorn". It is constructed from the prefix "con-" (meaning "together") and "temnere" (meaning "to slight, scorn").
When combined together, "hold contempt" expresses the act of actively maintaining or harboring a feeling of disdain or disregard towards something or someone.