FeelingGuide

Contempt vs Revulsion

Contempt

negative emotion

Contempt is a complex emotional response characterized by feelings of disdain, scorn, or lack of respect toward a person or situation. It often involves a perception of superiority over the object of contempt, leading to a dismissal of their worth or validity.

Revulsion

negative emotion

Revulsion is an intense feeling of disgust or repulsion, often triggered by something perceived as offensive, unpleasant, or morally repugnant. It encompasses both physical and emotional reactions and can manifest in response to various stimuli, ranging from certain sights or smells to actions or behaviors deemed unacceptable.

Key Differences

AspectContemptRevulsion
Sentimentnegativenegative
Typeemotionemotion
NatureContempt tends to be destructive, as it can lead to conflict escalation and relationship breakdowns. However, in some co...Revulsion can be both constructive and destructive. It may be constructive in that it helps establish boundaries and pro...

Contempt's Perspective

Contempt is often compared to disdain, as both involve negative evaluations of others. However, while disdain is more about a general feeling of scorn or disapproval, contempt carries an added layer of perceived superiority and moral judgment, making it a more intense and potentially damaging emotion.

Revulsion's Perspective

Revulsion is often confused with disgust, yet they differ in intensity and context. While disgust is a broader emotional response to unpleasant stimuli, revulsion is more intense and often tied to moral or ethical judgments. Disgust may be felt towards food or bodily functions, whereas revulsion relates more to actions or behaviors that violate personal or societal norms.

Explore Both