PhrasesHub

Familiarity breeds contempt

    Definitions

      • negative feelings towards someone
        Expressing that the more one gets to know someone, the less they like them or the more they become aware of their flaws and actions that may cause dislike or disdain

      • decrease in respect or admiration
        Suggesting that close and frequent contact with someone or something can lead to a loss of admiration or respect, as one becomes more familiar with their faults or shortcomings

    Examples of Familiarity breeds contempt

    • After being married for 20 years, John and his wife had grown so familiar with each other's habits and quirks that they had developed a deep-seated contempt for one another.

      This idiom means that prolonged exposure to someone or something can lead to a strong feeling of dislike or disgust. It suggests that when people become too comfortable with each other, they may begin to take each other for granted and lose respect for one another.

    • After working in the same office for five years, Jane had grown so familiar with her co-workers that she had developed a strong sense of contempt for their petty office politics and gossip.

      This idiom can also be applied to situations where people become too familiar with a particular place or thing. In this example, Jane's familiarity with her co-workers and their office politics had led to a strong sense of contempt for their behavior.

    • After eating the same dish every day for a week, John had grown so familiar with the taste that he had developed a strong sense of contempt for it.

      This idiom can also be applied to situations where people become too familiar with a particular food or drink. In this example, John's familiarity with the dish had led to a strong sense of contempt for its taste.

    • After watching the same movie over and over again, Jane had grown so familiar with the plot that she had developed a strong sense of contempt for it.

      This idiom can also be applied to situations where people become too familiar with a particular piece of media, such as a movie, TV show, or book. In this example, Jane's familiarity with the movie had led to a strong sense of contempt for its plot.

    • After attending the same conference every year for five years, John had grown so familiar with the speakers and the topics that he had developed a strong sense of contempt for them.

      This idiom can also be applied to situations where people become too familiar with a particular event or conference. In this example, John's familiarity with the conference had led to a strong sense of contempt for the speakers and their topics.


    Conclusion

    This idiom conveys the notion that the more we become acquainted with someone or something, the more likely we are to develop negative feelings towards them. It highlights the idea that familiarity can breed contempt, as we may become more aware of flaws or behaviors that we may not have noticed before.

    One possible interpretation of this idiom is that it serves as a warning against becoming too comfortable or complacent in a relationship or situation. It reminds us to be mindful of our attitudes and actions, as they may change as we become more familiar with someone or something.

    Origin of "Familiarity breeds contempt"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the Latin phrase "familiarity breeds contemptum," meaning "familiarity breeds contempt." It was first recorded in English in the 14th century and has been used in various forms and contexts since then.

    The concept behind this idiom can also be found in ancient Greek literature, with Aesop's fable "The Fox and the Lion" being a prime example. In this fable, the fox admires the lion until he becomes familiar with him and sees his true nature, leading to the famous moral "familiarity breeds contempt."

    In modern times, this idiom is commonly used in relationships, whether romantic, platonic, or professional. It reminds us that although familiarity may bring comfort and closeness, it can also lead to negative feelings and a decrease in respect and admiration.