Meaning and Usage
軽蔑 (けいべつ) means 'scorn' or 'disdain' and is used to express a strong feeling of contempt or disrespect towards someone or something. It is a noun but often appears with verbs like する (to do) to form the verb phrase 軽蔑する.
Common Contexts
This word is typically used in formal or serious contexts where negative judgment or emotional rejection is expressed. It often appears in interpersonal relationships, social criticism, or descriptions of attitudes.
Collocations and Patterns
- 軽蔑する: to scorn or disdain someone
- 軽蔑の目で見る: to look at someone with contempt
- 軽蔑の念: a feeling of disdain
Nuance and Register
Using 軽蔑 conveys a strong negative emotion and can be quite harsh. It is not casual and usually implies a moral or personal judgment. Avoid using it lightly in conversation unless you want to express serious disapproval.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 軽蔑 with 嫌悪 (けんお, disgust) or 侮辱 (ぶじょく, insult). 軽蔑 focuses more on contempt and looking down on someone rather than just dislike or verbal offense.