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condescension

[ˌkɑːndɪˈsenʃn]

condescension Definition

  • 1an attitude of patronizing superiority; disdain
  • 2the act of behaving towards others as if you are more important or more intelligent than they are

Using condescension: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "condescension" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She spoke to him with condescension, as if he were a child.

  • Example

    His condescension towards his colleagues made him very unpopular.

  • Example

    I resent the condescension in his tone.

  • Example

    The manager's condescension towards his employees was evident.

condescension Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for condescension

Idioms Using condescension

  • talk down to someone

    speak to someone in a way that shows that you think you are better or more intelligent than they are

    Example

    I don't like it when people talk down to me.

  • put on airs

    behave in a way that shows that you think you are better or more important than other people

    Example

    She puts on airs and acts like she's better than everyone else.

  • look down one's nose at someone

    treat someone with disdain or contempt

    Example

    He looks down his nose at anyone who doesn't share his views.

Phrases with condescension

  • tone of condescension

    a way of speaking that shows that you think you are better or more intelligent than other people

    Example

    I don't appreciate your tone of condescension.

  • look of condescension

    a facial expression that shows that you think you are better or more intelligent than other people

    Example

    She gave me a look of condescension when I asked her a question.

  • condescending attitude

    an attitude that shows that you think you are better or more intelligent than other people

    Example

    I don't like his condescending attitude towards his coworkers.

Origins of condescension

from Latin 'condescendere', meaning 'to stoop down'

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Summary: condescension in Brief

The term 'condescension' [ˌkɑːndɪˈsenʃn] refers to an attitude of patronizing superiority or disdain, often expressed through tone or facial expression. It can also refer to the act of behaving towards others as if you are more important or more intelligent than they are. Phrases like 'tone of condescension' and idioms like 'put on airs' capture the essence of this negative behavior.