Familiarity breeds contempt – meaning, origin and usage

Sometimes the phrase “familiarity breeds contempt” is said as a warning, while other times its proffered as an observation or afterthought. Confused? Then you’ve come to just the place!

In this article we will clarify the meaning of the proverb and track how it may have originated before delving into different ways to use the phrase, with a few handy examples. Then we will move onto the use of the concept “familiarity breeds contempt” in literature and the media, before rounding off with a discussion on similar and synonymous saying s and expressions.

Without further ado then, let’s get to it.

What is the meaning of the phrase “familiarity breeds contempt”?

The proverb “familiarity breeds contempt” means that the more someone become familiar with someone or something, the more it leads to decreasing respect and appreciation. Possibly through noticing flaws and taking the good points for granted, making it seem less valuable, and in turn encouraging disdain or even scorn.

The historical origins of the phrase “familiarity breeds contempt”

The concept of familiarity breeding contempt is a particularly old one, having been referred to in Aesop’s fable The Fox and the Lion circa 620-564 B.C. However, the original writings no longer exist, so we don’t know if this exact phrase was used here. The concept is also referred to in the gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, although the exact phrase is not used there either..

But we do know that the phrase was in use in Latin by the 5th century AD because St Augustine “vulgare proverbium est, quod nimia familiaritas parid contemptum” which roughly translates to “it is a common proverb, that too much familiarity breeds contempt”.

The earliest recorded use of the phrase in the English language comes much later, specifically in Middle English, when it was used by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, in his work “Tale of Melibee”.

Much more recently, the author Mark Twain, who penned Huockleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, adapted the proverb in the following quote in 1935 ““Familiarity breeds contempt—and children.”

How to use the phrase “familiarity breeds contempt” with examples

As mentioned earlier, he phrase “familiarity breeds contempt” can either serve as a forewarning, or be used retrospectively as an observation on how things have become. Here are some examples of the phrase in use in different contexts.

She was quite intimidated by her new step father at first but now it’s banter all the time. I guess familiarity breeds contempt as they say.
I wouldn’t spend every weeknight with your new girlfriend if I were you. She’ll start to get bored and lose interest. Familiarity breeds contempt, you know.
Oh he loved the job in the beginning. Presumably because of all the novelty. Ten years on however and he watches the clock. Familiarity breeds contempt you see.
She was so into him in the early days, but that romantic period is long over now that they are living together in each other’s pockets. It’s true you know, familiarity breeds contempt.
When her baby brother was born she just loved to nurse him, but now they fight and bicker all the time. Oh well, familiarity breeds contempt.

Use of the concept “familiarity breeds contempt” in literature and media

In the satirical novel, Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathon Swift published in 1726, Gulliver becomes disillusioned with humanity after repeated exposure to different societies. His growing familiarity with human flaws breeds contempt, making him prefer the company of horses.

In Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice published in 1813, Elizabeth Bennet initially dislikes Mr. Darcy due to his aloofness, but over time, as she becomes more familiar with his true character, her contempt is replaced with admiration—essentially a reversal of the proverb. However, other characters, such as Mr. Collins, become more irritating with familiarity.

In Charles Dickens’ book Great Expectations, published in 1861, Pip’s evolving relationship with Joe Gargery reflects this theme. As a child, Pip adores Joe, but as he becomes more refined, he starts looking down on Joe, taking his kindness for granted—only to later realize his mistake.

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein published in 1818 Dr. Frankenstein’s familiarity with his creation leads him to despise it. Initially fascinated by the act of creating life, he quickly grows horrified by the monster’s presence, exemplifying how deep knowledge can turn into aversion.

In the TV series Breaking Bad (2008–2013), Walter White’s increasing exposure to crime makes him more ruthless, eventually losing respect for those who show weakness. Similarly, in the series The Office (2005–2013) The characters’ quirks, once amusing, become grating as they interact daily, exemplifying how excessive familiarity can lead to frustration.

Similar and synonymous words and phrases

While there aren’t many single words that effectively encapsulate the old proverb “familiarity breeds contempt” there are many phrases that can often be used in its place. Here are some alternative and synonyms you might consider using:

The more you see, the less you value
Overexposure breeds disregard
Familiarity breeds disrespect
Being too familiar can lead to contempt
Close proximity can foster disdain
The closer you get, the less you respect
Be wary of spending too much with someone, you’ll lose respect
When you know someone too well it leads to having less respect for them
Greater familiarity encourages contempt/disdain/disregard/scorn
The better we know people, the more likely we are to find fault with them
Spend too much time with someone and you’ll get nothing but mockery and ridicule

Final word

So, in summary, the proverb “familiarity breeds contempt” means that the more someone become familiar with someone or something, the more it leads to decreasing respect and appreciation.

In English the phrase was first seen in the work of Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, but the concept behind it appears to much older, having been described as on old proverb in Latin in the 5th century AD. Today the phrase still continues to hold relevance.