Skip to content

mépris

contempt, scorn

noun meh-PREE Rare
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Usage Note

Mépris is an invariable noun (no change in the plural: des mépris). The expression avec mépris means 'with contempt'. The related verb is mépriser (to scorn), and méprisable means contemptible. Au mépris de is a formal phrase meaning 'in defiance of' — au mépris du danger means heedless of danger.

Examples

"Il la regarda avec un profond mépris."

Natural Translation

He looked at her with deep contempt.

Free starter pack

Building your French vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Explore French by topic