First Known Use: 1553
Dictionary
despicable
adjective de·spi·ca·ble \di-ˈspi-kə-bəl, ˈdes-(ˌ)pi-\
: very bad or unpleasant : deserving to be despised
Full Definition of DESPICABLE
: deserving to be despised : so worthless or obnoxious as to rouse moral indignation <despicable behavior>
— de·spi·ca·ble·ness noun
— de·spi·ca·bly \-blē\ adverb
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Origin of DESPICABLE
Late Latin despicabilis, from Latin despicari to despise
Related to DESPICABLE
- Synonyms
- cheap, cruddy, deplorable, contemptible, dirty, grubby, lame, lousy, mean, nasty, paltry, pitiable, pitiful, ratty, scabby, scummy, scurvy, sneaking, sorry, wretched
- Antonyms
- admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy
Synonym Discussion of DESPICABLE
contemptible, despicable, pitiable, sorry, scurvy mean arousing or deserving scorn. contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values <a contemptible liar>. despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation <a despicable crime>. pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity <a pitiable attempt at tragedy>. sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness <this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car>. scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust <a scurvy crew of hangers-on>.
Rhymes with DESPICABLE
DESPICABLENESS Defined for Kids
despicable
adjective de·spi·ca·ble \di-ˈspi-kə-bəl, ˈde-spik-\
Definition of DESPICABLE for Kids
: very bad : deserving to be despised <a despicable act of cowardice>
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