How Do You Spell DESPICABLE?

Pronunciation: [dɪspˈɪkəbə͡l] (IPA)

Despicable is spelled with the letter "s" and not "c" after the prefix "des-" because the "s" sound is voiced while the "c" sound is unvoiced. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /dɪˈspɪkəbəl/, with a short "i" sound in the first syllable, and emphasis on the second syllable. The "k" sound is followed by a schwa sound, which is then followed by a voiced "b" sound before the final syllable with an unstressed "əl" sound.

DESPICABLE Meaning and Definition

1. Despicable is an adjective referring to something or someone that deserves to be condemned or despised due to their immoral or contemptible behavior. It is commonly used to describe actions that are considered wicked, disgraceful, or deplorable, and denotes a strong sense of disgust or abhorrence towards the subject.

   The word originates from the Latin term "despicare," meaning "to look down." This etymology exemplifies the negative connotation associated with the word, suggesting that the subject is beneath moral integrity and worthy of disdain. Despicable actions often violate social or ethical standards, displaying qualities such as cruelty, dishonesty, or greed, prompting a consensus of repulsion among society.

   When describing a person as despicable, it implies that they possess character traits that are thoroughly detestable or abominable. Such individuals are commonly perceived as untrustworthy, lacking empathy or compassion, and exhibiting a willingness to manipulate or harm others for personal gain. Despicable can also be used to describe objects or situations that are considered abhorrent or contemptible.

   Overall, the term despicable is a strong expression of moral disapproval towards individuals or actions that go against societal norms and values. It represents a forceful condemnation and an overwhelming negative assessment of someone or something's character or conduct.

2. • See under despise.

   • That should be despised; vile; contemptible.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DESPICABLE *

• dispicable 90.6574394%
• dispickable 3.4602076%
• dispicible 1.384083%
• despictable 1.0380622%
• dispecable 0.6920415%
• dispikable 0.6920415%
• depicable 0.6920415%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DESPICABLE

• respincable
• despeciable
• dispictable
• dispicaple
• dispiciable
• despectable
• disspicable
• despical
• descpicable
• desposable
• despickable
• despicible
• respecable
• despecable
• despicablee
• despisable
• suspicable
• depplicable
• despicabley
• despicalble
• desfiable
• Dispinable

Etymology of DESPICABLE

The word "despicable" originated from the Latin word "despicabilis". It can be further broken down into "despicari", which means "look down on" or "despise". The root of the Latin term is "despicere", which means "to look down" or "to look at with disdain". Hence, the etymology of "despicable" implies something that is deserving of contempt or disdain.

Similar spelling words for DESPICABLE

• despisal,
• despise,
• despicability,
• despicabl,
• despicably,
• despised.