1545-55; < Late Latindēspicābilis, equivalent to Latindēspic(ārī) to despise or dēspic(ere) to look down (dē-de- + -spic- look, combining form of specere) + -ābilis-able
Related forms
despicability, despicableness, noun
despicably, adverb
Synonyms
vile, mean, detestable.
Antonyms
admirable.
Examples from the web for despicable
He's good at playing politics -- in the most despicable sense of the word.
Taking advantage of an unsuspecting audience is rather despicable.
But some of his behavior was despicable.
His behavior is despicable, no doubt.
Complications occur as greed propels one of the assistants to pursue his own despicable goals and place his companions at risk.
This is despicable politics.
The personal attacks against him are brainless and despicable.
You also belittled people with despicable name callings.
Former clients of the two lawyers said that if the charges were true, the lawyers' actions were disgusting and despicable.
To hear his voice droning on while someone is arrested for asking a question is despicable.
C16: from Late Latin dēspicābilis, from dēspicārī to disdain; compare despise
Word Origin and History for despicable
adj.
1550s, from Late Latin despicabilis, from Latin despicari "despise, disdain, look down on," from de- "down" (see de-) + spicare, variant of specere "to look" (see scope (n.1)).