Καταφρόνησιν

[sc. By katafro/nhsis] Thucydides is saying u(perfro/nhsis; for the prefix kata- signifies vehemence. In effect, you¹ are not able to say that we are not at war because of having these three things -- such as stupidity, softness, carelessness -- but because of contempt [sc. for the Athenians]; that is, too much fronei=n, and in effect u(perfronei=n. For 'contempt' is his term for thoughtlessness.