Condescending - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Condescending means behaving in a way that shows you feel superior to others, often by speaking or acting with patronizing kindness or false politeness. It implies looking down on someone.
Definition:
Showing superiority in a patronizing or disdainful manner.
Synonyms:
patronizing, disdainful, supercilious, haughty
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
humble, respectful
Common Collocations:
condescending tone, condescending attitude, condescending remark
Derivatives:
condescend, condescension
Usage Tips:
Avoid using a condescending tone when speaking to others to prevent sounding arrogant or dismissive.
Common Phrases:
talk down to someone, look down on someone, high and mighty
Etymology:
From Latin *condescendere*, meaning "to stoop" or "yield."
Examples:
- 1. His condescending smile made her feel small and unimportant.
- 2. She hated his condescending remarks about her work.
- 3. The teacher’s condescending tone annoyed the students.
- 4. He spoke in a condescending manner to the new employees.
- 5. Her condescending attitude alienated her colleagues at work.