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What is the root word in contemptuous?

The root word of "contemptuous" is "tempt".

Here's how it breaks down:

* "Contempt" is the noun form, meaning "the feeling that a person or a thing is worthless or deserving of scorn."

* "Contemptuous" is the adjective form, meaning "showing or expressing contempt."

While "tempt" doesn't directly translate to "contempt," it's the root word because "contempt" originated from the idea of *testing* or *proving* something's worth. In the past, "tempt" meant "to test or prove," and this idea of proving something's worthlessness evolved into the meaning of "contempt" we use today.

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