look down upon
View with contempt
To look down upon someone is to regard them as inferior or unworthy of respect.
The phrase evokes the physical posture of someone elevated above another: The aristocracy looked down upon merchants and tradespeople.
It suggests condescension or contempt based on perceived differences in status, ability, or worth.
Often interchangeable with "look down on."
- despiseHate with contempt
- bestrideSit or stand over
- scornHostile dismissive feeling
- disdainScornful disregard
- turn up one's noseExpress haughty rejection
beneath contempt · dominate · spurn · contempt · sneer · overshadow · belittlement · snobbery · high and mighty · survey · undervalue · disapproval · condescension · superiority · depreciation · derision · disparagement · elitism