enseigner la mépris
to enseigner the mépris
Literalmente: to teach the contempt
Use this phrase to describe the intentional passing on of disdain or social prejudice to others.
En 15 segundos
- Instilling a sense of superiority over others.
- Passing on negative social prejudices.
- A strong term for serious social critique.
Significado
This phrase means to instill a sense of deep disdain or superiority in someone else. It is about passing on the habit of looking down on others or treating them as worthless.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Discussing parenting
Les parents ne devraient jamais enseigner le mépris à leurs enfants.
Parents should never teach contempt to their children.
Political commentary
Ce discours risque d'enseigner le mépris des institutions.
This speech risks teaching contempt for institutions.
Texting a friend about a bad influence
Son nouvel ami lui enseigne le mépris de tout le monde.
His new friend is teaching him to look down on everyone.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'mépris' (contempt) is a recurring theme in French intellectual life, famously explored in Jean-Luc Godard's film 'Le Mépris'. It often touches on the tension between different social classes or the perceived arrogance of the 'élite' toward the general public.
Watch the Gender
Even though many abstract nouns ending in 'is' or 'e' are feminine, 'mépris' is masculine. Always say 'le mépris'.
Pronunciation Secret
The 's' at the end of 'mépris' is silent. It sounds like 'may-pree'. Don't let that final letter trip you up!
En 15 segundos
- Instilling a sense of superiority over others.
- Passing on negative social prejudices.
- A strong term for serious social critique.
What It Means
This phrase describes the act of instilling disdain. It is about showing someone how to look down on others. You aren't teaching a skill like cooking. You are passing on a negative mindset. It implies a sense of superiority over another group.
How To Use It
You use it like a regular verb phrase. The subject is the person doing the 'teaching.' The object is the feeling of contempt. You can add a target using de or pour. For example: enseigner le mépris des autres. It sounds quite serious and heavy.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing social issues or education. It fits well in a debate about toxic behavior. You might hear it in a documentary or a news report. It is perfect for describing how prejudice starts early. Use it to criticize a bad influence.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this for lighthearted situations or small annoyances. Don't use it if you just dislike a movie. It is too strong for a simple disagreement. If you're joking with friends, it might sound too dramatic. Stick to simpler words for minor dislikes.
Cultural Background
In France, social classes and intellectualism are very important. This phrase often appears in critiques of the elite. It suggests that some people are raised to feel superior. It has a strong moral weight in French philosophy. It is a warning against dividing society.
Common Variations
You might hear nourrir le mépris to mean feeding contempt. Another common one is inspirer le mépris for inspiring it. Some people use apprendre le mépris for the student's side. Le mépris souverain is a very strong, total disdain.
Notas de uso
This is a high-register phrase. While grammatically simple, its emotional weight makes it more suitable for serious critiques of behavior, society, or education rather than casual small talk.
Watch the Gender
Even though many abstract nouns ending in 'is' or 'e' are feminine, 'mépris' is masculine. Always say 'le mépris'.
Pronunciation Secret
The 's' at the end of 'mépris' is silent. It sounds like 'may-pree'. Don't let that final letter trip you up!
The Godard Connection
If you want to sound cultured, mention the movie 'Le Mépris'. It's a classic of the French New Wave about a marriage falling apart.
Ejemplos
6Les parents ne devraient jamais enseigner le mépris à leurs enfants.
Parents should never teach contempt to their children.
A standard way to discuss moral education.
Ce discours risque d'enseigner le mépris des institutions.
This speech risks teaching contempt for institutions.
Used to criticize the impact of a leader's words.
Son nouvel ami lui enseigne le mépris de tout le monde.
His new friend is teaching him to look down on everyone.
A bit dramatic but effective for describing a toxic friend.
Bravo, tu enseignes déjà le mépris des brocolis à ton chat !
Well done, you're already teaching your cat to despise broccoli!
Using a heavy phrase for a silly situation.
Sa solitude lui a enseigné le mépris du monde extérieur.
His loneliness taught him contempt for the outside world.
Reflecting on how life experiences change someone's outlook.
L'élitisme peut parfois enseigner le mépris de la réalité.
Elitism can sometimes teach a contempt for reality.
A high-level intellectual critique.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Il est dangereux d'___ le mépris aux jeunes générations.
The context of 'mépris' (contempt) requires the verb 'enseigner' (to teach) to make sense.
Choose the correct article for 'mépris'.
Elle refuse d'enseigner ___ mépris.
'Mépris' is a masculine noun in French, so it takes the article 'le'.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Enseigner le mépris'
Rarely used unless being very dramatic or sarcastic.
Tu lui enseignes le mépris là !
Common in literature, politics, and social analysis.
L'histoire enseigne le mépris de la violence.
Where you'll encounter 'Enseigner le mépris'
Political Debates
Critiquing an opponent's rhetoric.
Parenting Advice
Discussing how to raise empathetic kids.
Workplace Culture
Describing a toxic management style.
Social Media
Commenting on divisive viral content.
Preguntas frecuentes
11 preguntasIt is masculine: le mépris. Using la mépris is a common mistake for learners.
Not really. It is a very strong word. Use ne pas aimer or détester for minor things.
It is more common in serious discussions or books. In a cafe, you might use it to talk about a politician or a bad boss.
The opposite would be enseigner le respect or enseigner la tolérance.
It is similar, but mépris is more about looking down on someone than active violence. It's about feeling superior.
Yes, that means 'to learn contempt.' It focuses on the person receiving the lesson.
No, the 's' is silent. It rhymes with 'prix' (price).
Almost never. It describes a negative social behavior or a character flaw.
Use the preposition de. For example: enseigner le mépris de la loi (to teach contempt for the law).
No, it is quite formal and literary. You won't find it in street slang.
The verb is mépriser, which means 'to despise' or 'to look down on'.
Frases relacionadas
avoir du mépris pour
regarder de haut
faire fi de
inculquer des valeurs
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