condescending
/,kɔndi'sendiɳ/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Displaying a superior attitude: Characterized by behaving as though one is superior to others and is lowering oneself to interact with them.
- Patronizing: Having or showing an attitude of patronizing superiority.
Usage
- The word condescending describes a person's tone, manner, or behavior. It implies looking down on someone perceived as less intelligent, experienced, or important.
- It is almost always used negatively to criticize someone's attitude.
Examples
- His condescending smile made her feel like a child.
- I hate it when she uses that condescending tone to explain simple things.
- The manager's condescending remarks about the interns were completely uncalled for.
Advanced Usage
- "to be condescending toward(s) someone": To act with a superior attitude toward a specific person or group.
- The professor was often condescending toward students who asked basic questions.
- "in a condescending manner": Describing how an action is performed.
- He patted my head in a condescending manner.
Variants and Related Words
- Condescend (verb): To do something that one believes is below one's social or professional dignity.
- She wouldn't condescend to have lunch with the new staff.
- Condescension (noun): The act of condescending; patronizing superiority.
- His offer of help was filled with condescension.
Synonyms
- Patronizing: Often interchangeable, implying a false or insulting kindness from a position of superiority.
- Snobbish: Suggesting an air of superiority based on social class or taste.
- Supercilious: Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others.
Antonyms
- Humble: Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.
- Respectful: Showing deference and esteem.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "Talk down to someone": A phrasal verb meaning to speak to someone as if they are less intelligent or knowledgeable.
- Don't talk down to me; I understand the problem perfectly.
- "A pat on the head": An idiom describing a condescending gesture of praise or approval that is insincere or belittling.
- His praise felt like just a pat on the head for my efforts.
Adjective
-
(used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension
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