Scorn Definition and Meaning
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on September 20, 2025
Scorn refers to feel or express contempt or disdain for someone or something. e.g., She looked at the old car with scorn.
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Scorn Definitions
An expression of derision or mockery.
His speech was met with scorn by the opposition.
A feeling that something is worthless or despicable.
She felt scorn for the superficial standards of the industry.
To look down upon or treat with disdain.
She scorned him for his outdated views.
To feel or express open disdain or contempt for someone or something.
He scorned the very notion of asking for help.
To refuse or reject with disdain.
She scorned his offer of assistance, preferring to do it alone.
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Belittlement or disdain shown towards someone or something.
His achievements were met with scorn rather than celebration.
An attitude or feeling of contempt or derision for what is considered bad or inferior.
The artist's work was initially received with scorn.
Contempt or disdain felt toward a person or object considered despicable or unworthy
Viewed his rivals with scorn.
The expression of such an attitude in behavior or speech; derision
Heaped scorn upon his rivals.
The state of being despised or dishonored
Held in scorn by his rivals.
(Archaic) One spoken of or treated with contempt.
To consider or treat as contemptible or unworthy
An artist who was scorned by conservative critics.
To reject or refuse with derision
Scorned their offer of help.
To consider or reject (doing something) as beneath one's dignity
"She disapproved so heartily of Flora's plan that she would have scorned to assist in the concoction of a single oily sentence" (Stella Gibbons).
(transitive) To feel or display contempt or disdain for something or somebody; to despise.
(transitive) To reject, turn down.
He scorned her romantic advances.
(transitive) To refuse to do something, as beneath oneself.
She scorned to show weakness.
(intransitive) To scoff, to express contempt.
(uncountable) Contempt or disdain.
(countable) A display of disdain; a slight.
(countable) An object of disdain, contempt, or derision.
Extreme and lofty contempt; haughty disregard; that disdain which springs from the opinion of the utter meanness and unworthiness of an object.
Scorn at first makes after love the more.
And wandered backward as in scorn,To wait an æon to be born.
An act or expression of extreme contempt.
Every sullen frown and bitter scornBut fanned the fuel that too fast did burn.
An object of extreme disdain, contempt, or derision.
Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.
To hold in extreme contempt; to reject as unworthy of regard; to despise; to contemn; to disdain.
I scorn thy meat; 't would choke me.
This my long sufferance, and my day of grace,Those who neglect and scorn shall never taste.
We scorn what is in itself contemptible or disgraceful.
To treat with extreme contempt; to make the object of insult; to mock; to scoff at; to deride.
His fellow, that lay by his bed's side,Gan for to laugh, and scorned him full fast.
To taunt and scorn you thus opprobriously.
To scoff; to mock; to show contumely, derision, or reproach; to act disdainfully.
He said mine eyes were black and my hair black,And, now I am remembered, scorned at me.
Lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike;
He was held in contempt
The despite in which outsiders were held is legendary
Open disrespect for a person or thing
Look down on with disdain;
He despises the people he has to work for
The professor scorns the students who don't catch on immediately
Reject with contempt;
She spurned his advances
Disdain or contempt felt toward someone or something considered unworthy.
He held nothing but scorn for their cowardly actions.
To reject or dismiss as unworthy or contemptible.
They scorned the idea as impractical and foolish.
A derisive or contemptuous action or speech.
Their scorn was evident in their laughter and sneers.
Scorn Snonyms
Derision
Mockery or ridicule.
The proposal was greeted with derision by the board.
Contempt
Lack of respect or reverence for something.
His actions were regarded with contempt by the community.
Disparagement
The act of speaking about someone in a negative or belittling way.
His constant disparagement of his colleagues created a hostile work environment.
Disdain
The feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect.
She viewed his excuses with disdain.
Sneering
A smile or laugh that expresses scorn or contempt.
She responded with a sneering comment to his suggestion.
Jeering
Making rude and mocking remarks, typically in a loud voice.
The unpopular decision was met with jeering from the crowd.
Belittling
To dismiss someone or something as unimportant.
He felt belittled by their scornful remarks about his work.
Mockery
Teasing or contemptuous language or behavior directed at someone or something.
His attempt was met with mockery and laughter.
Ridicule
The subjection of someone or something to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior.
He faced ridicule for his outdated ideas.
Scoffing
Speaking to someone or about something in a scornfully derisive or mocking way.
They scoffed at the idea that he could win.
Scorn Idioms & Phrases
Pour scorn on
To express contempt or derision for.
Critics poured scorn on the new movie for its cliched plot.
Scorn Example Sentences
The artist’s unconventional style drew scorn from traditionalists.
He could hardly conceal his scorn when he saw the mess.
His novel, once met with scorn, is now celebrated as a masterpiece.
He walked away, his head high, ignoring their scorn.
She expressed her scorn for the new policies with a sharp critique.
They looked at the makeshift repair with scorn, doubting it would hold.
Their scorn for the opposing team was obvious in their chants.
The proposal was dismissed with scorn by the committee.
Their love story was initially met with scorn because of their age difference.
She was used to facing scorn for her unconventional beliefs.
The notion of giving up was treated with scorn by the team.
The community’s scorn for the corrupt official was palpable.
Her speech challenged the audience to reconsider what they scorn.
He wore his eccentric clothing despite the scorn it attracted.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called scorn?
"Scorn" originates from the Old French word "escarn" (mockery, derision, contempt), which itself is derived from the Old High German "skern" (mockery, jest). It refers to the expression of contempt or disdain.
What is the verb form of scorn?
"Scorn" itself is the base form of the verb. The third-person singular present is "scorns," the present participle is "scorning," and the simple past and past participle form is "scorned."
How many syllables are in scorn?
There is one syllable in "scorn."
What is the first form of scorn?
The first form of "scorn" is "scorn," used in the present tense.
What is a stressed syllable in scorn?
In "scorn," the single syllable is stressed: [skɔːrn].
What is the root word of scorn?
The root of "scorn" comes from the Old French "escarn" and the Old High German "skern," both meaning mockery or contempt.
What is the second form of scorn?
The second form of "scorn" is "scorned," which is the simple past tense.
What is the third form of scorn?
The third form of "scorn" is "scorned," used as the past participle.
How do we divide scorn into syllables?
Scorn is not divided into syllables as it is only one syllable.
How is scorn used in a sentence?
"Scorn" is used to express or describe contempt or disdain for someone or something, e.g., She regarded his excuses with scorn.
What is the plural form of scorn?
The plural form is "scorns" when referring to multiple instances or expressions of contempt.
Is scorn an adverb?
No, "scorn" is not an adverb.
Is scorn an abstract noun?
Yes, "scorn" is considered an abstract noun when it refers to the concept of contempt.
Is the word scorn Gerund?
Yes, "scorning" is the gerund form of the verb "scorn."
Which vowel is used before scorn?
The article "a" can be used before "scorn" because it starts with a consonant sound.
What is the pronunciation of scorn?
Scorn is pronounced as /skɔːrn/.
Is the scorn term a metaphor?
"Scorn" can be used metaphorically to describe intense disdain or contempt.
Is the word “scorn” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
In sentences like "They showed him scorn," "scorn" is a direct object. The word does not typically function as an indirect object.
Which determiner is used with scorn?
Determiners like "much," "little," "the," and possessive pronouns can be used with "scorn," depending on the context.
What part of speech is scorn?
"Scorn" can be used both as a noun and a verb.
What is the opposite of scorn?
The opposite of "scorn" could be "admire" or "respect," depending on the context.
Is scorn a collective noun?
No, "scorn" is not a collective noun.
Which article is used with scorn?
The article "the" is used with "scorn" when referring to a specific instance or type of scorn; "a" is less commonly used since "scorn" is often uncountable.
Is scorn a noun or adjective?
"Scorn" is primarily used as a noun and a verb, but not as an adjective.
Which conjunction is used with scorn?
Conjunctions like "and," "but," or "or" can be used with "scorn," depending on the sentence structure.
What is another term for scorn?
Another term for "scorn" could be "contempt" when used as a noun, and "deride" when used as a verb.
What is the singular form of scorn?
The singular form is "scorn."
Is scorn a negative or positive word?
"Scorn" is a negative word; it denotes contempt or disdain.
Is scorn a vowel or consonant?
The word "scorn" begins with a consonant.
Is scorn a countable noun?
As a noun, "scorn" is generally uncountable when referring to the concept of disdain. However, in contexts where individual acts of scorn are counted, it can be considered countable.
Is the word scorn imperative?
"Scorn" can be used in the imperative mood when giving a command, e.g., "Scorn not the base," although this usage is rare and formal.
Which preposition is used with scorn?
Prepositions such as "with," "for," and "of" are commonly used with "scorn," depending on the context.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
