‘轻视’ is a verb meaning ‘to look down on’ or ‘to underestimate’ someone or something — implying a dismissive, contemptuous attitude based on perceived inferiority, lack of importance, or insufficient merit. The character 轻 (qīng) means ‘light’ or ‘not heavy’, suggesting triviality or low weight; 视 (shì) means ‘to look at’ or ‘to regard’. Together, they literally convey ‘to regard as light’ — that is, to treat with insufficient seriousness or respect.

This word carries a distinctly negative connotation and is commonly used in formal writing, academic discussions, and moral reflections — for example, when criticizing prejudice, arrogance, or careless judgment. It often appears in contexts involving social inequality, professional competence, cultural differences, or personal growth. Unlike casual terms like ‘ignore’ or ‘dislike’, ‘轻视’ emphasizes an active, judgmental dismissal rooted in bias or overconfidence.