Condescending: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone talks to others as if they are inferior or less intelligent.

• Her condescending tone made everyone in the meeting feel uncomfortable.
• He explained the process to us in a condescending manner, assuming we knew nothing.

Used to describe behavior where someone treats others as if they are less capable or less important. Similar to 'condescending.'

• I found his patronizing comments about my work quite offensive.
• She gave me a patronizing smile and said, 'Good effort, but not quite there.'

Used when someone looks down on others perceived to be of a lower social class or with lesser taste. Has a negative connotation.

• The new neighbor is so snobbish, always bragging about her luxury vacations.
• She refused to shop at the local market, calling it too 'snobbish.'

Describes someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities. Has a negative connotation.

• His arrogant attitude annoyed his colleagues.
• She is so arrogant, always boasting about her achievements.

Describes someone who acts as if they are better than others. Often used in a professional or social setting and can have either a negative or neutral connotation depending on the tone.

• He always acts superior to his teammates, which creates tension.
• Her superior attitude is starting to alienate her friends.

Used when someone speaks or behaves as if they are superior to others, often looking down on them.

• Her condescending tone made it clear she thought she was better than us

Describes a way of speaking or behaving that shows you think you are smarter or more important than others. Often comes across as belittling.

• The way he explained the task was very patronizing, as if we were children

Used to describe someone who looks down on people they consider to be of a lower social class or less sophisticated.

• Her snobbish remarks about the café's decor made everyone uncomfortable

Refers to someone who has an overbearing sense of self-worth and believes they are better or more important than others.

• Despite his accomplishments, his arrogant attitude made him unpopular among his peers