despise

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 侮 conveys underestimating or looking down on something; 侮る is read あなどる.
• Basic usage: 相手を侮る means to underestimate an opponent or another person. The verb can also describe dismissing a small change or risk.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Conjugation
  • The past form of 侮る is 侮った, and its connecting form is 侮って. Mark what is underestimated with を.
• Underestimation and insult
  • 侮辱(ぶじょく) concerns insulting words or behavior. Its focus differs from 侮る, which can describe inwardly underestimating someone.