mépriser

to despise, to scorn

verb meh-pree-ZEH Less Common

Usage Note

Mépriser expresses active contempt for someone or something. The noun mépris (contempt, scorn) is very common: avec mépris (scornfully), un regard de mépris (a contemptuous look). Méprisant/méprisante is the adjective (contemptuous). The phrase le mépris des risques means 'disregard for risks' rather than personal contempt.

Examples

"Elle méprise les gens malhonnêtes."

Natural Translation

She despises dishonest people.

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