What are the definitions of “look down on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Have a low opinion of.
He LOOKS DOWN ON his colleagues because he thinks he's better than they are.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “look down on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look down on is to have a low opinion of someone or something, often because of feeling superior or better than them. It is used to describe a negative attitude or judgment towards others.
What are the different verb forms of “look down on”?
| Root Verb | look down on |
| Third Person Singular Present | looks down on |
| Present Participle | looking down on |
| Simple Past | looked down on |
| Past Participle | looked down on |
Example
She looks down on people who don't have a college degree.
Example
He looks down on his coworkers because he thinks he's more experienced.
Example
They are looking down on their neighbors for not keeping their yard clean.
Example
She looked down on her classmates for not studying as hard as she did.
Example
He has always looked down on people who don't share his beliefs.
What kind of phrasal verb is “look down on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“look down on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She looks down on her colleagues.
Example
He looked down on his classmates.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“look down on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She looks down on her colleagues.
Example
He looked down on his classmates.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “look down on”?
Good things to know
Does “look down on” have an informal or formal tone?
Look down on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as in written articles or speeches.
