All 11 Uses of
contempt
in
The Crucible
- PUTNAM—at the moment he is intent upon getting Parris, for whom he has only contempt, to move toward the abyss: Mr. Parris, I have taken your part in all contention here, and I would continue; but I cannot if you hold back in this.
Act 1 (definition 1)contempt = disrespect
- ELIZABETH, "reasonably": John, have you ever shown her somewhat of contempt?
Act 2 (definition 1)contempt = a lack of respect
- DANFORTH: And how do you imagine to help her cause with such contemptuous riot?
Act 3 (definition 1)contemptuous = disrespectful
- HATHORNE: I think they must both be arrested in contempt, sir.
Act 3 (definition 2)contempt = the crime of willful disrespect for the authority of a court
- HATHORNE: This is contempt, sir, contempt!
Act 3 (definition 2)
- HATHORNE: This is contempt, sir, contempt!
Act 3 (definition 2)
- This is contempt of the court, ...
Act 3 (definition 2)contempt = a crime of willful disrespect of the court
- DANFORTH: In that case, I have no choice but to arrest you for contempt of this court, do you know that?
Act 3 (definition 2) *contempt = the crime of willful disrespect for the authority of a court
- GILES: This is a hearing; you cannot clap me for contempt of a hearing.
Act 3 (definition 2)
- To Giles: You are under arrest in contempt of this court.
Act 3 (definition 2)contempt = for willful disrespect for the authority of a court
- ...his contempt for Parris is clear:
Act 3 (definition 1) *contempt = disrespect and dislike
Definitions:
-
(1) (contempt as in: feels contempt towards her) lack of respect for someone or something thought inferior -- often accompanied by a feeling of dislike or disgusteditor's notes: A famous saying, "familiarity breeds contempt" comes from Aesop's fable, "The Fox and the Lion". (6th century BC)
When first the Fox saw the Lion he was terribly frightened, and ran away and hid himself in the wood. Next time however he came near the King of Beasts he stopped at a safe distance and watched him pass by. The third time they came near one another the Fox went straight up to the Lion and passed the time of day with him, asking him how his family were, and when he should have the pleasure of seeing him again; then turning his tail, he parted from the Lion without much ceremony.
The moral is traditionally, "Familiarity breeds contempt"; though an alternative moral is "Acquaintance softens prejudices."
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(2) (contempt as in: held in contempt of court) the crime of willful disobedience to or disrespect for the authority of a court or legislative bodyeditor's notes: Formally, this is called "contempt of court," but it is often shortened as just "contempt."