How to Pronounce Contempt

To pronounce "contempt", say CONT-empt — 2 syllables, IPA /kənˈtɛmpt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

contempt

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying contempt, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

2

Syllables

8

Letters

/kənˈtɛmpt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “contempt”

"contempt" has 2 syllables: cont-empt. It rhymes with exempt and attempt, if that helps it stick.

What does contempt mean?

noun

  1. The state or act of contemning; the feeling or attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, base, or worthless; scorn, disdain.
  2. The state of being despised or dishonored; disgrace.

Hear “contempt” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with contempt

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

exemptattempttemptpreemptunkemptkemptemptnempt

Related words

scorndisdaindisrespectspitederisiondisgraceaffrontloathing

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "contempt"?▾

"Contempt" has 2 syllables: cont · empt.

What is the IPA transcription of "contempt"?▾

The IPA transcription of "contempt" is /kənˈtɛmpt/.

What does "contempt" mean?▾

Contempt: The state or act of contemning; the feeling or attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, base, or worthless; scorn, disdain.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “contempt” in the full dictionary →