Condescending Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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condescending

[ˌkɒndɪˈsɛndɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
condescending	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.
patronizing	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.'
snobbish	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.'
arrogant	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.
superior	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.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
condescending	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
patronizing	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
snobbish	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
arrogant	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

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

People who act condescendingly often exhibit a lack of empathy, making it harder for them to connect with others emotionally.
This behavior may stem from low self-esteem; some individuals elevate themselves by putting others down.
Research indicates that those who are condescending can alienate peers, leading to struggles in forming relationships and a lack of teamwork.

Communication

Using a condescending tone can damage interpersonal relationships, as the receiver feels belittled and disrespected.
Body language plays a significant role; crossing arms while speaking condescendingly can heighten the perceived arrogance.
In professional settings, condescension can undermine leadership ability, as employees may feel undervalued and disengaged.

Pop Culture

In movies and TV shows, condescending characters are often portrayed as villains or antagonists, serving as reminders of the importance of respect.
Iconic figures in pop culture, like the condescending waiter or the arrogant professor, reflect societal frustrations with superiority complexes.
The stereotype of the 'know-it-all' in various media highlights how common and universal this behavior is, often leading to humorous or dramatic consequences.

Literature

Classic literature often features condescending characters, showcasing their flaws, such as in Jane Austen’s 'Pride and Prejudice' with Mr. Darcy's initial attitudes.
Poets and writers use condescension to explore themes of power dynamics and social hierarchies, illustrating the moral failings of such behavior.
In autobiographical works, authors sometimes reflect on their own moments of condescension, recognizing how it affected their relationships and personal growth.

Origin of 'condescending'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'condescendere', which means to descend together, suggesting a lowering of oneself in a patronizing way.
It first appeared in English in the early 17th century, originally referring to a willingness to lower oneself to someone else's level, but has since taken on a negative connotation.
The prefix 'con-' implies agreement or coming together, while 'descend' relates to going down, highlighting the duality of seeming to help while actually looking down on others.

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.

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20734 congratulation
20735 merchantable
20736 tetrahedral
20737 condescending
20738 cochlear
20739 enslavement
20740 formic
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