* Noun: This is the most common usage. It refers to the feeling of disdain or scorn. Example: "He looked at her with contempt."
* Verb: This is less common but possible. It means to treat someone or something with disdain or scorn. Example: "He contempted the idea of working for his father."
* Adjective: This is also possible, though not very common. It describes something that is deserving of contempt. Example: "The judge found the defendant's actions contemptuous."
So, the specific part of speech depends on the context of the sentence.