condescending
kon-dih-SEN-ding
/ˌkɒn.dɪˈsen.dɪŋ/
Having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority.
Implies physically or mentally descending down to speak to someone regarded as inferior, often hidden behind fake politeness.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'condescendere', meaning to descend voluntarily. In medieval Europe, a monarch 'condescending' to speak with commoners was viewed as an act of noble humility. By the 18th century, society viewed this 'stepping down' as fake kindness delivered from a height.
Word relationships
- patronizing: Patronizing often disguises superiority as helpful, fatherly care, whereas condescending emphasizes the vertical gap in status.
- disdainful: Disdainful shows open scorn or contempt, whereas condescending can wear a smile.
- respectful: Showing deference and esteem toward another person's worth.
Commonly confused with
- descending: Descending simply means moving downward physically; condescending means acting superior toward someone.
Word family
- condescend (verb): To act superior or graciously lower oneself to interact with inferiors.
- condescension (noun): Patronizing attitude or behavior.
- condescendingly (adverb): In a condescending manner.
Collocations
- condescending attitude
- condescending tone
- condescending smile
- condescending remark
Idioms & expressions
- talk down to someone
- look down one's nose
Example sentences
- "She hated her supervisor's condescending habit of explaining simple procedures as if speaking to a child." Workplace interaction
- "There was a condescending tone in his letter that made every gesture of assistance feel like an insult." Literary commentary
Memory hook
CON-DESCEND-ing: DESCENDING down from your high horse to address mortals. Talking down from high above.
When not to use
Do not use when someone is genuinely explaining things patiently without a belittling attitude.
Fun facts
- In the 1600s, calling a nobleman 'condescending' was high praise, meaning he was accessible and gracious to those of lower rank.
Related words
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