Contempt vs. Resentment — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Contempt involves disdain and a sense of superiority over someone or something, while resentment is a feeling of anger and dissatisfaction arising from perceived mistreatment or injustice.
Difference Between Contempt and Resentment
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Contempt is characterized by a deep feeling of disdain and lack of respect for someone or something, often accompanied by a sense of superiority. On the other hand, resentment is more about holding onto feelings of anger and dissatisfaction caused by perceived unfair treatment or injustice. It involves a personal sense of being wronged.
While contempt often manifests as viewing someone as beneath consideration or worthless, resentment is typically directed towards specific incidents or actions that an individual feels have harmed them in some way. Contempt carries a more general and dismissive attitude, whereas resentment is usually more focused and tied to particular grievances.
Contempt is usually expressed subtly through gestures, facial expressions, or dismissive remarks, reflecting an inner belief of superiority over the other. Resentment, however, often simmers internally, potentially building up over time, and can be triggered by repeated experiences of perceived injustices.
In relationships, contempt can be particularly damaging and is often cited as a predictor of relationship failure. It suggests a fundamental lack of respect that can erode the relationship foundation. Resentment, on the other hand, might still allow for reconciliation if the underlying issues are addressed, as it often seeks resolution of the perceived wrongs.
Contempt tends to be more enduring and can exist without ongoing provocations, unlike resentment, which usually needs a continual source of injustice to maintain its intensity. Once the source of resentment is resolved or dissipates, the feeling might lessen or disappear, while contempt might not be as easily mitigated.
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Comparison Chart
Emotion Quality
Disdain and superiority
Anger and dissatisfaction
Focus
General disdain towards character
Specific incidents or actions
Expression
Subtle, non-verbal cues
Internal, possibly building up over time
Impact on Relationships
Highly damaging, indicates lack of respect
Can be addressed and potentially resolved
Duration
Long-lasting without continual provocation
Driven by ongoing perceived injustices
Compare with Definitions
Contempt
Disregard for something that should be considered.
He showed his contempt for the process by refusing to participate.
Resentment
Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.
His promotion caused resentment among his peers.
Contempt
An official disrespect charge, especially in a court of law.
The judge held the unruly defendant in contempt.
Resentment
Persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong.
She harbored deep resentment after the dispute.
Contempt
Judgement that someone is worthless.
His actions revealed a deep contempt for his colleagues.
Resentment
Emotional response to injustice.
Resentment grew as the community felt neglected.
Contempt
Legal disrespect or willful disobedience.
He was fined for contempt of court.
Resentment
A feeling of displeasure or indignation.
Resentment simmered within him as he was overlooked again.
Contempt
The feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration.
She looked at the cheap material with contempt.
Resentment
Holding onto past grievances.
Her resentment towards her former employer did not fade.
Contempt
Contempt is a pattern of attitudes and behaviour, often towards an individual or group, but sometimes towards an ideology, which has the characteristics of disgust and anger.The word originated in 1393 in Old French contempt, contemps, from the Latin word contemptus meaning "scorn". It is the past participle of contemnere and from con- intensive prefix + temnere "to slight, scorn".
Resentment
Resentment (also called ranklement or bitterness) is a complex, multilayered emotion that has been described as a mixture of disappointment, disgust, anger, and fear. Other psychologists consider it a mood or as a secondary emotion (including cognitive elements) that can be elicited in the face of insult and/or injury.Inherent in resentment is a perception of unfairness (i.e.
Contempt
The feeling that a person or a thing is worthless or beneath consideration
Pam stared at the girl with total contempt
It is no wonder journalists are held in such contempt
Resentment
Indignation or ill will stemming from a feeling of having been wronged or offended.
Contempt
The feeling or attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, base, or worthless; scorn.
Resentment
Anger or displeasure stemming from belief that one has been wronged or betrayed by others; indignation.
Contempt
The state of being despised or dishonored
Was held in contempt by his former friends.
Resentment
(obsolete) The state of holding something in the mind as a subject of contemplation, or of being inclined to reflect upon it; feeling; impression.
Contempt
Open disrespect or willful disobedience of the authority of a court of law or legislative body.
Resentment
(obsolete) satisfaction; gratitude
Contempt
(uncountable) The state or act of contemning; the feeling or attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, base, or worthless; scorn, disdain.
Resentment
The act of resenting.
Contempt
The state of being despised or dishonored; disgrace.
Resentment
The state of holding something in the mind as a subject of contemplation, or of being inclined to reflect upon something; a state of consciousness; conviction; feeling; impression.
He retains vivid resentments of the more solid morality.
It is a greater wonder that so many of them die, with so little resentment of their danger.
Contempt
(legal) Open disrespect or willful disobedience of the authority of a court of law or legislative body.
Resentment
In a good sense, satisfaction; gratitude.
The Council taking notice of the many good services performed by Mr. John Milton, . . . have thought fit to declare their resentment and good acceptance of the same.
Contempt
The act of contemning or despising; the feeling with which one regards that which is esteemed mean, vile, or worthless; disdain; scorn.
Criminal contempt of public feeling.
Nothing, says Longinus, can be great, the contempt of which is great.
Resentment
In a bad sense, strong displeasure; anger; hostility provoked by a wrong or injury experienced.
Resentment . . . is a deep, reflective displeasure against the conduct of the offender.
Anger is like A full-hot horse, who being allowed his way,Self-mettle tires him.
Can heavently minds such high resentment show,Or exercise their spite in human woe?
Contempt
The state of being despised; disgrace; shame.
Contempt and begarry hangs upon thy back.
Resentment
A feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
Contempt
An act or expression denoting contempt.
Little insults and contempts.
The contempt and anger of his lip.
Contempt
Disobedience of the rules, orders, or process of a court of justice, or of rules or orders of a legislative body; disorderly, contemptuous, or insolent language or behavior in presence of a court, tending to disturb its proceedings, or impair the respect due to its authority.
Contempt
Lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike;
He was held in contempt
The despite in which outsiders were held is legendary
Contempt
A manner that is generally disrespectful and contemptuous
Contempt
Open disrespect for a person or thing
Contempt
A willful disobedience to or disrespect for the authority of a court or legislative body
Common Curiosities
What triggers contempt in a person?
Contempt can be triggered by behaviors or traits that a person deems as inferior or unworthy of respect.
What is the primary emotion involved in contempt?
Contempt primarily involves disdain and a feeling of superiority.
Can contempt and resentment affect relationships?
Yes, both can negatively affect relationships, but contempt is particularly harmful as it suggests deep disrespect.
How does one typically cope with feelings of contempt?
Coping with contempt might involve reassessing one's perceptions of superiority and addressing underlying prejudices.
How does resentment differ in focus compared to contempt?
Resentment focuses on specific unfair treatments or injustices, while contempt is a general disdain towards someone or something.
Is resentment always visible in behavior?
No, resentment can often be internalized, causing emotional turmoil without obvious external signs.
What makes contempt particularly damaging in relationships?
Contempt implies a fundamental lack of respect, which can erode the foundation of trust and mutual respect in relationships.
How can resentment be resolved?
Resolving the underlying issues causing perceived injustice can mitigate resentment.
What expressions typically show contempt?
Contempt is often shown through facial expressions like eye-rolling, smirking, or sarcastic remarks.
Does resentment require a continual source to persist?
Yes, resentment typically needs ongoing perceived injustices to maintain its intensity.
What emotional quality does resentment carry?
Resentment carries a quality of bitter indignation and dissatisfaction.
Is it possible to have contempt without resentment?
Yes, it is possible to feel contempt without resentment, as contempt does not require a specific provocation related to fairness or justice.
Can contempt be found in legal contexts?
Yes, contempt can be a legal charge, particularly in disrespecting court processes or authority.
How is contempt expressed in non-verbal communication?
Non-verbal expressions of contempt include sneering, scoffing, or dismissive gestures.
What is a common consequence of unresolved resentment?
Unresolved resentment can lead to long-term relationship problems and emotional distress.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
