Word
condescension
Phoneticscon·de·scen·sion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɑndəˈsɛnʃən/
UK/kˌɒndɪsˈɛnʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“He spoke to the child with condescension.”
“The manager's condescension during the meeting made the team feel like their ideas were not worth hearing.”
“While the professor's expertise was undeniable, his constant condescension toward the graduate students created a hostile environment that stifled open discussion and collaboration.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“But in Aeschylus’s play it’s a condescension, a role patronizingly bestowed by Athena to dull the sting of justice miscarried.” Etymology
From Latin condēscēnsiō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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