despise Copy link Outline 1. despĭcio, spexi, spectum 3 (to look down upon, hold cheap)2. sperno, sprēvi, sprētum, 3 (much stronger)3. aspernor, 1 (to hold unworthy, reject with contempt)4. contemno, tempsi, temptum, 3 (usu. with reference to that which might appear likely to call forth the opposite feeling)5. temno, 3 (rare and poet.)6. despicatui, contemptui habeo (= despicio, contemno) • despise: 1. despĭcio, spexi, spectum 3 (to look down upon, hold cheap): to d. the senatorian order, senatorium ordinem d., Cic. Join: despicere et pro nihilo putare, Cic.; despicere atque contemnere, Cic. 2. sperno, sprēvi, sprētum, 3 (much stronger): v. to scorn. Join: spernere et pro nihilo putare, Cic. 3. aspernor, 1 (to hold unworthy, reject with contempt): to d. any one from the heart, aliquem animo a., Cic.: v. to reject. 4. contemno, tempsi, temptum, 3 (usu. with reference to that which might appear likely to call forth the opposite feeling): to d. Hannibal, Hannibalem c., Cic.: to d. riches, opes c., Virg. Join: irridere atque contemnere; contemnere atque rejicere, Cic. 5. temno, 3 (rare and poet.): Virg. 6. despicatui, contemptui habeo (= despicio, contemno): v. contempt. Other equiv. phr. are: parvi pendĕre; flocci, pili, nihili facere, etc.: v. to hold (cheap): to be d.d, jacēre, Cic.: Ov.