Contemptuous: Means to hold someone or something in disdain or scorn. It implies a feeling of superiority and a belief that the target is unworthy of respect.
Prejudice: Is a preconceived opinion about a person or group, often based on limited information or stereotypes. It can be positive or negative, but it usually involves judging someone before getting to know them.
Overlap: Contemptuous feelings can be a *component* of prejudice. If someone is prejudiced against a certain group, they might also hold them in contempt.
Difference: Prejudice is broader than contempt. While contempt is a feeling of disdain, prejudice is a broader attitude that can involve fear, mistrust, or aversion.
Example:
* Contemptuous: "She looked at the homeless man with a contemptuous sneer." (This indicates disdain and a belief that the man is unworthy of respect.)
* Prejudice: "He refused to hire anyone from that country because he was prejudiced against them." (This indicates a preconceived negative opinion based on nationality.)
In summary, while contemptuous feelings can contribute to prejudice, they are not the same thing. Prejudice is a broader concept that encompasses pre-judgments and biases, while contempt is a specific feeling of disdain.