Condescender: meaning, definitions and examples
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condescender
[ ˌkɒndɪˈsɛndə ]
negative trait
A condescender is a person who behaves in a patronizing or superior manner, often looking down on others. This attitude can create a sense of inferiority in those who are subjected to it.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Her condescender attitude made her colleagues feel belittled.
- He always speaks as if he knows better, revealing his condescender nature.
- People often avoid discussions with condescenders because they find them intolerable.
Translations
Translations of the word "condescender" in other languages:
🇵🇹 condescender
🇮🇳 नीचा दिखाना
🇩🇪 herablassen
🇮🇩 merendahkan
🇺🇦 покровительствувати
🇵🇱 poniżać
🇯🇵 見下す
🇫🇷 condescendre
🇪🇸 menospreciar
🇹🇷 küçümsemek
🇰🇷 경시하다
🇸🇦 يستخف بـ
🇨🇿 shazovat
🇸🇰 zhadzovať
🇨🇳 看不起
🇸🇮 pomanjševati
🇮🇸 oflætur
🇰🇿 жоғарылату
🇬🇪 დამცირება
🇦🇿 kiçiltmək
🇲🇽 despreciar
Word origin
The term 'condescender' is derived from the verb 'condescend', which traces its roots back to the Latin 'condescendere', meaning 'to descend together, to lower oneself'. The prefix 'con-' translates to 'together', while 'descendere' means 'to descend'. This word developed into Middle English as 'condescenden', where it reflected a sense of lowering oneself in a manner that is often seen as gracious. However, when used to describe someone with a superior attitude, it took on a negative connotation, suggesting that the 'lowering' is not one of humility, but rather one of arrogance. This dual nature of condescension continues to influence how the term is perceived today, often associated with feelings of disdain and haughtiness.