這兩個形容詞皆與 contempt (名詞，意為「輕視，輕蔑，藐視」) 有關，所以一度是同義詞，可以互換，但那些舊有的意思現已廢棄不用，現在它們的意思截然不同。contemptible 意為「可鄙的，卑劣的，卑鄙的」(despicable)：That was a contemptible trick to play on a friend! (那是一種欺騙朋友的卑劣手段!)；a contemptible liar (卑鄙的說謊者)。順便一提的是，contempt of court (藐視法庭；藐視法庭罪) 是我們經常與聞的一個片語。
Contemptuous 意為「表示輕蔑的；輕蔑的，輕視的，瞧不起的，鄙視的，藐視的」(scornful, full of contempt)：He gave a contemptuous laugh. (他輕蔑地笑了起來)。contemptuous 當述語形容詞 (predicate adjective) 時經常與介系詞 of 連用：He has always been openly contemptuous of all authority. (他向來公然蔑視一切權威)；The official was often contemptuous of public opinion. (那位官員經常藐視輿論)。contemptuous 的副詞 contemptuously 也頗為常用：They glanced contemptuously at the other guests. (他們輕蔑地掃視著其他客人)；She tossed her head contemptuously. (她傲慢地把頭一揚)。