Meaning & Definition of word "Condescending"

Condescending

/ˌkɒndɪˈsɛndɪŋ/

adjective:

  • 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.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

patronizing:

Displaying a condescendingly superior attitude.

superiority:

The quality of being better or more important than others.

Slang Meanings of condescending

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.