All 10 Uses of
contempt
in
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
- Johnny heard the story and contemptuously dismissed Gussie from his mind.†
Chpt 29contemptuously = with disrespect
- But these last ones..." she flicked at them contemptuously.†
Chpt 39
- "Women!" he grunted contemptuously.†
Chpt 40
- "Kids," said Neeley contemptuously, jingling some coins in his pockets.†
Chpt 43
- Dead books," he said contemptuously.†
Chpt 44
- But Ben was contemptuous of non-college lawyers
Chpt 49 *contemptuous = lacked respect
- "Oh, sugar!" said Sissy contemptuously.†
Chpt 50contemptuously = with disrespect
- She was quickly ashamed of her contempt.†
Chpt 10
- Although Katie had nothing but contempt for the Organization, she saw no reason why they shouldn't take advantage of the good time.†
Chpt 24
- Katie's contempt for the politicians did not interfere with her making her yearly call.†
Chpt 24
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 disgustA 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." -
(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 bodyFormally, this is called "contempt of court," but it is often shortened as just "contempt."