mépriser
despise · scorn
C’est ne pas respecter quelqu’un ou quelque chose et penser qu’il ou elle n’a pas de valeur.
Definition & meaning
Mépriser means to despise, scorn, or look down on someone or something, considering them unworthy of respect or attention.
- Il méprise les menteurs. — He despises liars.
- Elle méprise le danger. — She scorns danger.
Grammar & Word origin
Mépriser is a regular -er verb. It is usually transitive: it takes a direct object, as in mépriser quelqu’un (“to despise someone”).
It comes from the prefix mé-, expressing a negative judgment, and the older verb priser, meaning “to value.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- dédaigner — to disdain; often suggests dismissing something as beneath one’s attention.
- détester — to hate; emphasizes strong dislike rather than contempt.
- mésestimer — to have a low opinion of; generally less forceful than mépriser.
Antonyms
- respecter — to respect someone or something.
- admirer — to admire, emphasizing approval or appreciation.
Common phrases & collocations
Make “mépriser” part of your vocabulary.
Build your French vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Elle ne veut pas mépriser ses amis.verb
She does not want to despise her friends.
Ils ont méprisé les conseils pourtant utiles qu’on leur a donnés.verb
They scorned the useful advice that was given to them.
Pourquoi méprises-tu toujours les règles?verb
Why do you always despise the rules?
Keep exploring French
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad