contemn

Everyday

(old use) To look down on something as worthless; to scorn or despise it. tree →

In the lessons

in fairy tales, a proud person looks down on wise advice or on the humble: the proud king contemned the warnings.

Examples

• Do not contemn the small and humble, for they may help you. tree →
• The proud king contemned his people's advice. tree →
• Some people contemn others who are weaker than they are. tree →

Note

nothing for maths.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means that Israel, called Jeshurun, grew fat and proud and scorned God, "the Rock of his salvation."

Interpretation. The tradition reads it as a warning that comfort and plenty can lead people to forget God.

Examples

• But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked — thou didst wax fat, thou didst grow thick, thou didst become gross — and he forsook God who made him, and contemned the Rock of his salvation. (Torah DEU.32.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• For there is a trial; and what if it contemn even the rod? (Prophets EZK.21.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God, and say in his heart: 'Thou wilt not require'? (Writings PSA.10.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the Most High. (Writings PSA.107.11, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

nothing for maths.