condescending

/,kɔndi'sendiɳ/

Thân thiện

She gave a condescending smile to the new intern.

Definition

1. 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.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. (used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension

Từ đồng nghĩa

• arch
• patronizing
• patronising