English Reference
Noun

condescension

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US /ˌkɑndəˈsɛnʃən/ UK /kˌɒndɪsˈɛnʃən/ con·de·scen·sion UK spelling condescensions

n.the act of treating someone as if they are less important or less intelligent than you are. It often makes people feel small or unimportant.

n.the act of behaving as if one is superior to others, typically by patronising or looking down on them. Often implies a lack of respect for the other person's intelligence or dignity.


SIMPLE

He spoke to the child with condescension.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager's condescension during the meeting made the team feel like their ideas were not worth hearing.

COMPLEX

While the professor's expertise was undeniable, his constant condescension toward the graduate students created a hostile environment that stifled open discussion and collaboration.


From Latin condēscēnsiō.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated