condescension

American  

[kon-duh-sen-shuhn] / ˌkɒn dəˈsɛn ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of condescending. condescending.

2. behavior that is patronizing or condescending. condescending.

3. voluntary assumption of equality with a person regarded as inferior.

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Usage

What does condescension mean? Condescension is a way of interacting with others that implies that you’re superior to them. It especially refers to when this is done in an arrogant or patronizing way—meaning when you act as if you’re doing someone a favor by supposedly lowering yourself to their level of understanding or intelligence.Condescension often involves not only what is said but also how it’s said. A tone of condescension is often one that sounds like it’s directed at a child.Condescension is a noun form of the verb condescend, which most commonly means to behave in this way. When used this way, condescend, condescension, and the adjective condescending are always negative and imply that such behavior is insulting to the person or people it’s directed toward.Condescend can also mean to stoop to a lower level or to do something that one considers as below one's dignity. A close synonym of this sense of the word is deign. Condescension can also mean the act of doing so.Example: His opinion piece is dripping with condescension—it’s written as if no one else is capable of understanding.

Other Word Forms

• condescensive adjective
• condescensively adverb
• noncondescension noun

Etymology

Origin of condescension

First recorded in 1635–45, condescension is from the Late Latin word condēscēnsiōn- (stem of condēscēnsiō ). See con-, descension

Example Sentences

He also cites the mystery novelist Agatha Christie, about whom he has a new book out in May that aims “to show that any stylistic and intellectual condescension towards her is unjustified.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

While explaining that the paper used to occupy the whole building, employing over 1000 people, our frenemy Ken remarks, “That’s absolutely insane, if I do say so myself,” saucing each word with condescension.

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2025

The Cuban president then criticised Feitó-Cabrera at the parliamentary session - albeit without mentioning her by name - saying the leadership could not "act with condescension" or be "disconnected from the realities" of the people.

From BBC • Jul. 16, 2025

He also offered more of the condescension toward his colleagues that defined the video — at one point referring to them as his “amateur gunsmithing colleagues” and blasting their decision as inept.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2025

“Have you anything interesting there?” asked Meg, with condescension.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott