'contemptible' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'contemptibilis,' where 'contemptus' meant 'scorn' and '-ibilis' meant 'able to be.'

'contemptibilis' transformed into the Old French word 'contemptible,' and eventually became the modern English word 'contemptible' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'able to be scorned,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.