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Condescending: meaning, definitions and examples

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condescending

 

[ ˌkɒndɪˈsɛndɪŋ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in attitude

Showing that you believe you are more intelligent or better than other people. Speaking or behaving in a way that suggests you think you are superior to others.

Synonyms

arrogant, patronizing, snobbish, superior

Examples of usage

  • He has a condescending attitude towards his coworkers.
  • She gave me a condescending look when I asked a question.
Context #2 | Adjective

in tone

Having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority. Expressing an attitude of superiority; patronizing.

Synonyms

arrogant, patronizing, snobbish

Examples of usage

  • The teacher's condescending tone made the students feel belittled.
  • I hate the way he talks to me, it's so condescending.

Translations

Translations of the word "condescending" in other languages:

🇵🇹 condescendente

🇮🇳 सर्वज्ञानी

🇩🇪 herablassend

🇮🇩 merendahkan

🇺🇦 поблажливий

🇵🇱 protekcjonalny

🇯🇵 見下す

🇫🇷 condescendant

🇪🇸 condescendiente

🇹🇷 küçümseyen

🇰🇷 거만한

🇸🇦 متعالي

🇨🇿 blahosklonný

🇸🇰 blahosklonný

🇨🇳 高傲的

🇸🇮 pokroviteljski

🇮🇸 yfirvega

🇰🇿 менсінбеушілікпен қарайтын

🇬🇪 ზედმეტი

🇦🇿 aşağılayıcı

🇲🇽 condescendiente

Etymology

The word "condescending" originated from the Latin word "condescendere", which means "to yield, to come down, to lower oneself". The term evolved over time to acquire its current meaning of showing a superior attitude towards others. The concept of condescension has been present in various societies throughout history, often associated with hierarchies and power dynamics.

See also: descend, descendant, descendants, descending.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,737, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.