Condescending

/ˌkɒndɪˈsɛndɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Showing or characterized by a patronizing or superior attitude towards others.

His condescending remarks made it clear that he believed he was better than everyone else in the room.

Having a belief in the superiority of one’s own perspective or abilities over others.

She spoke in a condescending tone, as if explaining something obvious to a child.

Exhibiting an attitude of disdainful or dismissive superiority.

Although he thought he was being helpful, his condescending attitude only annoyed his colleagues.

Behaving in a way that suggests one is treating others as inferior.

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.

Talking down to someone.

Stop being so condescending and just explain it plainly.

Treating someone as a child.

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