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I came across this phrase in a quotation from Carl Sagan, "they betray contempt for the intelligence of their customers".

From the context, it seems to mean "to show contempt", but I couldn't parse why betray and contempt are used together.

Edit: How does the meaning work out?

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  • I expect it is an error introduced in the editing or typesetting process, replacing the intended word "portray" (to show) with "betray".
    – brasshat
    Aug 13, 2014 at 4:24
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    Have you looked up betray in the dictionary? The noun in the sentence could be contempt or any other depending on context. See also: English Language Learners
    – Kris
    Aug 13, 2014 at 6:05
  • "works that presume that some people are and ought to be "better" than others betray contempt for those others ..." // "his cavalier attitude about the responsibilities of his office seems to betray a contempt for the U.S. Constitution and the principles it embodies." (both internet) Even signs of countification, never mind the licensing of the DO 'contempt' with 'betray'.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Aug 13, 2014 at 16:25
  • I looked online for half an hour before posting this question, and could not find any references to this phrase. So I don't think the question can be answered using commonly-available references. @Kris I understand that "the noun in the sentence could be anything", but the question is about how the meaning works out.
    – hadi
    Aug 14, 2014 at 9:07

2 Answers 2

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Usually you'd conceal your contempt for a customer. "Betraying" contempt, then, is revealing it when you are meant to keep it hidden, like betraying a secret. Look at definition four of "betray" from Merriam-Webster:

4.

  • to reveal unintentionally
  • show, indicate
  • to disclose in violation of confidence
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  • Wow, amazing. Whenever, I think I've grasped how far the English language stretches, I log on to stack exchange to have something new (like this) surprise me and enhance my understanding of the langugage. Awesome!
    – K -
    Aug 13, 2014 at 6:42
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I expect it is an error introduced in the editing or typesetting process, replacing the intended word "portray" (to show) with "betray".

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