“Familiarity Breeds Contempt” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 15, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The phrase “familiarity breeds contempt” sounds like something you might hear in a court of law. It just sounds authoritative and judicial. However, if that is what you are thinking about the meaning of this phrase, you would not be correct.

Here you will find the actual meaning of this proverb, the information about its origin, and some example sentences and conversations that illustrate its proper usage. You will also discover some alternative words and phrases that are synonymous with this phrase that you can use interchangeably to convey the same meaning.

Familiarity Breeds Contempt Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “familiarity breed contempt” means knowing too much about something or someone can eventually lead you to feel resentment towards that specific thing or person.
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Familiarity Breeds Contempt Meaning

The phrase “familiarity breeds contempt” means that the more you know someone or something, the more likely you are to lose respect or admiration for them. It suggests that close acquaintance can lead to a lack of appreciation or regard, often because the flaws or weaknesses of a person or situation become more apparent over time.

Origin of this Phrase

The general meaning of the idiom can is much older than its first recorded usage. However, the first recorded usage of this exact phrase was by the author Chaucer in The Tale of Melibee which was published in 1386.

Usage of “Familiarity Breeds Contempt”

Here are some examples of how the phrase “familiarity breeds contempt” can be used in different contexts:

  1. In personal relationships:
    • “After living together for years, they started to argue over trivial matters. It seems that familiarity breeds contempt.”
  2. In the workplace:
    • “Initially, I respected my boss, but after working with him daily, I began to notice his flaws—familiarity breeds contempt.”
  3. In friendships:
    • “She used to value her friends, but now that they’re so close, she often takes them for granted; it’s true that familiarity breeds contempt.”
  4. In family dynamics:
    • “Growing up, I idolized my parents, but as a teenager, I started to see their imperfections. I guess familiarity breeds contempt.”
  5. In social settings:
    • “People often overlook the contributions of long-term volunteers; familiarity breeds contempt in community organizations.”

Related Terms to “Familiarity Breeds Contempt”

  • Take for granted – To fail to appreciate someone or something because of constant exposure.
  • Absence makes the heart grow fonder – Suggests that being away from someone increases appreciation for them.
  • Out of sight, out of mind – When someone or something is not present, they are easily forgotten.
  • Seeing the cracks – Recognizing flaws or weaknesses that diminish initial admiration.
  • Overfamiliarity – Excessive familiarity that leads to a lack of respect or appreciation.
  • Familiarity breeds indifference – A variation emphasizing the loss of care or interest rather than contempt.
  • Loss of awe – Refers to the diminishing sense of wonder or respect over time.
  • Become complacent – To become self-satisfied and lose motivation or respect due to comfort or familiarity.
  • Know too much – Suggests that being overly familiar with someone leads to a lack of respect or idealization.
  • Everyday weariness – A feeling of tiredness or dissatisfaction that comes from the monotony of routine or constant exposure.

Alternatives to this Proverb

There are several other ways to say the phrase “familiarity breeds contempt.” Some of the other words or phrases you could use to express the same meaning as this phrase include:

  • The longer you’re involved in a situation, the more disdain grows
  • The more you get to know someone and their habits, resentment can set in
  • The more you get to know someone, the more likely we are to find fault with them

“Familiarity Breeds Contempt” Examples

Example Sentences

  • Sometimes getting to know someone well is not a good thing; familiarity breeds contempt.
  • Familiarity breeds contempt, especially during stressful or dramatic situations.

Example Conversations

A conversation between mother and daughter.

  • Mother: Make sure you get to know someone well before deciding to marry them.
  • Daughter: You only knew dad for a few months before accepting his proposal.
  • Mother: You are right and as I got to know him over the years we grew apart.
  • Daughter: Why is that?
  • Mother: Because familiarity breeds contempt.

A discussion between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: I hate this job!
  • Co-worker 2: You used to love it. What happened?
  • Co-worker 1: Nothing specific. Familiarity breeds contempt though.
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