Meaning & Definition of word "Condescending"

Condescending

/ˌkɒndɪˈsɛndɪŋ/

1. Showing or characterized by a patronizing or superior attitude towards others.
- Example: His condescending remarks made it clear that he believed he was better than everyone else in the room.
2. Having a belief in the superiority of one’s own perspective or abilities over others.
- Example: She spoke in a condescending tone, as if explaining something obvious to a child.
3. Exhibiting an attitude of disdainful or dismissive superiority.
- Example: Although he thought he was being helpful, his condescending attitude only annoyed his colleagues.
4. Behaving in a way that suggests one is treating others as inferior.
- Example: The teacher's condescending praise did little to motivate the students; they felt it was insincere.

Derived from the Latin 'condescendere', meaning 'to descend with'.

look down on:

To regard someone as inferior.

talk down to:

To speak to someone as if they are less intelligent.

pat on the head:

To treat someone in a condescending way.

patronizing:

Displaying a condescendingly superior attitude.

superiority:

The quality of being better or more important than others.

Meaning: Talking down to someone.

Example Sentence: Stop being so condescending and just explain it plainly.

Meaning: Treating someone as a child.

Example Sentence: His condescending remarks made me feel like he thought I was a kid.