Contemptible-Contemptuous | Commonly Confused Words

Contemptible

/kənˈtɛm(p)tɪb(ə)l/

Worthy of disdain or disgust; very low in moral quality

His contemptible behavior was exposed during the trial.Stealing from the needy is a contemptible act.Her contemptible remarks shocked the audience.

/kənˈtemptʃuəs/

Feeling or showing deep dislike or disapproval for someone or something considered unworthy

He gave a contemptuous laugh at the notion.Her contemptuous glare withered the air around.They made a contemptuous gesture of dismissal.

Remember that contemptible describes a position or action deserving scorn, like a deed or behavior that is despicable.
Contemptuous is an attitude or feeling, such as the scornful gaze someone might give toward something they consider worthless.
If you are being contemptuous, you are expressing contempt; if something is contemptible, it is deserving of contempt.
Link contemptuous with attitude because it relates to how a person might feel.
Think of contemptible as describing the nature of something that is deserving of disdain.