look down on

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Explanation of "Look Down On"

Definition:
The phrase "look down on" means to regard someone or something with disrespect or to think of them as less important or inferior. When you "look down on" someone, you believe you are better than them.

Usage Instructions:

• Part of Speech: Verb phrase
• Form: You can use it in different tenses, like "looked down on" (past) or "looking down on" (present continuous).
• Subject: Usually a person who holds a certain attitude.
• Object: The person or group being regarded as inferior.

Example:

• "The new neighbor looks down on us because our house is very modest." (This means the neighbor thinks they are better than us because our house is not fancy.)

Advanced Usage:

• You can use "look down on" in more complex sentences to express thoughts and feelings:
  • "She looks down on people who do not have a college education."
  • "Many wealthy individuals tend to look down on those living in poverty."

Word Variants:

• Noun form: "Condescension" (the attitude of looking down on others).
• Adjective form: "Condescending" (describes someone who looks down on others).

Different Meanings:

In a different context, "look down" alone can mean to look toward a lower place or position, such as: - "He looked down from the balcony to see the street below."

Synonyms:

• Disdain
• Scorn
• Belittle
• Devalue
• Deride

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Idiom: "Nose in the air" – This means someone acts superior to others.

  • Example: "She walks around with her nose in the air, looking down on everyone."

• Phrasal verb: "Look down upon" – This has the same meaning as "look down on" and is used interchangeably.

  • Example: "He looks down upon those who don't share his opinions."

Summary:

"Look down on" is a phrase used to describe someone who thinks they are better than others. It is often used in negative contexts to highlight a sense of superiority or contempt.

Academic

Verb

1. regard with contempt
   • the new neighbor looks down on us because our house is very modest