How to pronounce contemn
Say it like kuhn-TEM. Contemn has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contemn. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kuhn
- TEM
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contemn pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kuhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- TEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of contemn
American and British speakers say contemn in essentially the same way: /ˌkʌnˈtɛm/ in the US and /ˌkʌnˈtɛm/ in the UK.
British respelling: kuhn-TEM.
What does contemn mean?
- To disdain; to value at little or nothing; to treat or regard with contempt.
- To commit an offense of contempt, such as contempt of court; to unlawfully flout (e.g. a ruling).
Where does contemn come from?
From Middle English contempnen, from Old French contemner, from Latin contemnō (“to scorn”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with contemn
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of contemn.
Questions about saying contemn
How do you pronounce contemn?
Say kuhn-TEM. The American pronunciation is /ˌkʌnˈtɛm/. In British English it is /ˌkʌnˈtɛm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contemn?
Contemn has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEM). Broken into parts: kuhn · TEM.
Do Americans and Brits say contemn the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌkʌnˈtɛm/ and the British form is /ˌkʌnˈtɛm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.