condescension
an act or instance of condescending.
behavior that is patronizing or condescending.
voluntary assumption of equality with a person regarded as inferior.
Origin of condescension
1Other words from condescension
- con·de·scen·sive [kon-duh-sen-siv], /ˌkɒn dəˈsɛn sɪv/, adjective
- con·de·scen·sive·ly, adverb
- non·con·de·scen·sion, noun
Words Nearby condescension
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use condescension in a sentence
In the ’90s, nobody had to endure the peculiar combination of condescension, contempt and she-looks-so-thin-I-just-hope-she’s-okay concern trolling that Apple did.
‘Tidal’ made Fiona Apple a star 25 years ago. Its success nearly overwhelmed her. | Allison Stewart | July 22, 2021 | Washington PostScandinavian Americans are now part of the cultural mainstream, but in the 19th century, Scandinavian farmers struggling to make a living in Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas were regarded with condescension by the New England cultural elite.
No, the Vikings Did Not Discover America. Here's Why That Myth is Problematic | Gordon Campbell | June 29, 2021 | TimeI may be overstepping myself with this hunch, but I see two confident, highly intelligent people — you, the eminent scientist — who have detection systems that react strongly to condescension.
Carolyn Hax: Son’s father-in-law called your covid advice ‘sanctimonious.’ How to respond? | Carolyn Hax | June 17, 2021 | Washington PostThe answer, dripping with condescension, was “if you put 100 labradoodles in a room together, you’d be lucky if two of them looked alike.”
I Went to the Westminster Dog Show and All I Got Was This Lousy Positive View of Humanity | Elijah Wolfson | June 14, 2021 | TimeHis smirky condescension is pure sexist gaslighting, yet Vivian can’t yet see it for what it is.
Moxie Invokes Fierce, Riot Grrrl Spirit, Only to End in a Noncommittal Group Hug | Stephanie Zacharek | March 3, 2021 | Time
The irony is that the president, with smug condescension, is quick to attack others for being out of touch with reality.
Romney’s One Quip on Russia Trumps Obama’s Former Declarations | Stuart Stevens | March 3, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTPresident Kennedy smiled without a hint of condescension and extended a hand to Douglas that was at once firm and remarkably soft.
The men in The Group behave with glibness, condescension, and even brutality toward the Vassar grads.
American Dreams, 1963: ‘The Group’ by Mary McCarthy | Nathaniel Rich | July 25, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTIronically, their claims of condescension are condescending themselves.
Obama can exhibit strains of personal diffidence, even condescension, toward people, especially critics.
Team Obama ‘Ecstatic,’ but Expects Only Modest Debate Bounce | James Warren | October 17, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTThe duke was in the highest animation, and he talked to every one round him, as we marched along, with more than condescension.
A loud laugh greeted this remark, and Billy, smiling with condescension, said he was gratified by their approval.
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands | R.M. BallantyneThere was a slight, almost indescribable tone of condescension or disparagement in her voice, the reason of which I will explain.
Robin Redbreast | Mary Louisa MolesworthHer overtures of familiarity and service was unskilfully made; her very timidity construed into labored condescension.
Alone | Marion HarlandThe act had condescension in it; yet, too, something unconsciously simple and primitive.
When Valmond Came to Pontiac, Complete | Gilbert Parker
British Dictionary definitions for condescension
/ (ˌkɒndɪˈsɛnʃən) /
the act or an instance of behaving in a patronizing way
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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