Disgust contempt

Contemptuous

Also known as disdainful, scornful

Strength 3 of 4

Looking down on someone or something as beneath regard, with a cold sense of being above it and a wish to dismiss rather than engage.

In the body

  • One corner of the mouth lifting
  • Chin raised, looking down the nose
  • Eyes narrowing
  • A dismissive flick of the hand

Needs behind it

When these needs aren’t met

RespectIntegritySelf-worth

Softer and stronger

  1. Disapproving
  2. Cynical
  3. Contemptuous
  4. Loathing

Often confused with

Cynical

Cynical expects the worst and keeps a weary distance; contemptuous has already judged its target as lesser and looks down on it.

Disgusted

Disgusted recoils from something as tainted or sickening; contemptuous looks down on it as inferior and not worth regard.

Loathing

Contemptuous is cold and dismissive, treating something as beneath notice; loathing is hot and consuming, unable to stop noticing it.