What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
snobs
Example
She refused to associate with anyone who didn't attend an Ivy League school. [snobs: noun]
Example
He always talks about his expensive car and designer clothes, making everyone feel inferior. [snobbery: noun]
condescending
Example
She spoke to me in a slow, condescending tone, as if I couldn't understand her. [condescending: adjective]
Example
He always acts like he knows better than everyone else, making us feel stupid. [condescension: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Condescending is more commonly used than snobs in everyday language. Condescending is a more versatile term that can be used to describe a wider range of behaviors, while snobs is more specific and tends to be associated with a particular type of person.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between snobs and condescending?
Both snobs and condescending are informal terms that are not appropriate for formal situations. However, snobs may be considered slightly more informal and colloquial than condescending.