different between despicable vs unworthy

English

Etymology

1550s, from Late Latin despicabilis, from Latin d?spicor, a variant of d?spici? (“I despise”), from de (“down”) + speci? (“I look at, behold”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /d??sp?k?b?l/, /?d?sp?k?b?l/

Adjective

despicable (comparative more despicable, superlative most despicable)

1. Fit or deserving to be despised; contemptible; mean

   Synonyms: vile, evil, mean, contemptible

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:despicable

Antonyms

• honorable

Translations

Noun

despicable (plural despicables)

1. A wretched or wicked person.

References

English

Etymology

From Middle English unworthy, equivalent to un- +? worthy.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?n?w?ði/

  Rhymes: -??(r)ði

Adjective

unworthy (comparative unworthier, superlative unworthiest)

1. Not worthy; lacking value or merit; worthless.
   • 1596-97, William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, Act II, Scene i^[1]:

     […] But alas the while!

     If Hercules and Lichas play at dice

     Which is the better man, the greater throw

     May turn by the fortune from the weaker hand:

     So is Alcides beaten by his page;

     And so may I, blind Fortune leading me,

     Miss that which one unworthier may attain,

     And die with grieving.

   Antonym: worthy

Derived terms

• unworthily
• unworthiness

Related terms

• worth
• unworth

Translations

Noun

unworthy (plural unworthies)

1. An inadequate person.