despised
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪˈspaɪzd/
KK: /dɪˈspaɪzd/
adjective
Definition
Hated or looked down upon with strong disapproval.
Example
He felt despised by his peers after the incident.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more despised
Superlative: most despised
Conversation
I can't believe how much people despised that movie.
I know, right? It was actually pretty entertaining.
Yeah, I thought it was unfair how much hate it got.
Totally! Everyone has different tastes, I guess.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hated
loathed
reviled
Antonyms
loved
admired
cherished
verb
Definition
To feel a strong dislike or contempt for someone or something.
Example
She despised the way he treated others.
Tense Forms
Past: despised
Past Participle: despised
Conversation
I really despised that movie we watched last week.
I know, right? It was so boring!
Yeah, I can't believe we actually sat through it.
Root Explanation
Despised → It is formed from the prefix "de-" (meaning down or away) and the root "spicere" (meaning to look or to see). The word "despised" means to look down upon or to regard with contempt.
Memory Tip
Think of looking 'down' ('de-') at something with disdain — that's why despised means to regard something with contempt.
Visually Confused Words
undespised
redespise
dressed
desired