condescending

[ kon-duh-sen-ding ]

adjective

1. showing or implying a usually patronizing descent from dignity or superiority:

   They resented the older neighbors' condescending cordiality.

   Synonyms: supercilious, disdainful, patronizing

Other Words From

• conde·scending·ly adverb
• noncon·de·scending adjective
• noncon·de·scending·ly adverb
• noncon·de·scending·ness noun
• uncon·de·scending adjective
• uncon·de·scending·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of condescending¹

First recorded in 1630–40; condescend + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The idea that celebrities could somehow use their cultural power to get fans to vote for certain candidates struck me as ridiculous at best, and snobby and condescending at worst.

From Slate

But that condescending dismissal misses the point — both the point of the original 4B movement and why American women are talking about it now.

From Salon

He uses pugnacious, sometimes trollish oratory to present himself as Trump’s avatar on the bench, an unapologetic brawler who fights for ordinary people against woke liberals and condescending elites.

From Slate

The adult characters are shown to respond in an over-protective and condescending way - a striking criticism of the way society often treats disabled people.

From BBC

These aren't the conservatives of old who hid their woman-hatred behind a Bible and condescending talk about "family values."

From Salon

Related Words

• arrogant
• highfalutin
• patronizing
• snooty