Condescendingly: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone talks or behaves as if they are better than others, often making the other person feel inferior.

• She smiled condescendingly at the beginner, making him feel uneasy.
• He spoke condescendingly to his team, which affected their morale.

Used when treating someone as if they are less intelligent or less important, often in a manner that seems helpful but is actually demeaning.

• He explained the task patronizingly, assuming she couldn't understand on her own.
• She smiled patronizingly as she corrected his mistake.

Used to describe behavior that is arrogantly superior and disdainful, often implying a sense of pride or contempt.

• He looked haughtily at the waitstaff, as if they were beneath him.
• She haughtily dismissed their opinions without consideration.

Used to describe behavior or speech that indicates a sense of being above others in status or quality. Often implies arrogance.

• He answered all questions superiorly, as if he knew everything.
• She acted superiorly in the meeting, ignoring others' inputs.