Condescension

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /kɑndəˈsɛnʃən/

Definitions of condescension

noun a feeling of superiority that is shown by an attitude of patronizing condescension

Example Sentences

A1 She spoke to him with condescension, treating him like a child.

A2 The teacher's condescension towards the students was evident in her tone of voice.

B1 His condescension towards his coworkers made it difficult for them to work together effectively.

B2 The manager's condescension towards his subordinates created a tense work environment.

C1 The politician's condescension towards the voters was seen as arrogant and off-putting.

C2 Her condescension towards those she deemed inferior was a constant source of frustration for her friends.

adjective condescending

Example Sentences

A1 She spoke to me with condescension, as if I were a child.

A2 The teacher's condescension towards the students was evident in her tone.

B1 His condescension towards his colleagues made it difficult for them to work together.

B2 The manager's condescension towards his subordinates created a hostile work environment.

C1 Her condescension towards others revealed her lack of empathy and understanding.

C2 The professor's condescension towards his students was both disrespectful and discouraging.

Examples of condescension in a Sentence

formal Her tone was dripping with condescension as she explained the concept to the new interns.

informal He couldn't help but show his condescension towards his younger sibling's lack of knowledge.

slang She rolled her eyes in a gesture of pure condescension when he asked a basic question.

figurative The towering skyscrapers seemed to look down upon the smaller buildings with a sense of condescension.

Grammatical Forms of condescension

past tense

condescended

plural

condescensions

comparative

more condescending

superlative

most condescending

present tense

condescends

future tense

will condescend

perfect tense

has condescended

continuous tense

is condescending

singular

condescension

positive degree

condescending

infinitive

to condescend

gerund

condescending

participle

condescended

Origin and Evolution of condescension

First Known Use: 1300 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'condescension' originated from the Latin word 'condescendere', which is a combination of 'con-' (together) and 'descendere' (to descend).
Evolution of the word: Originally, 'condescension' meant to voluntarily lower oneself to the level of someone considered inferior. Over time, the word has evolved to also include the idea of patronizing behavior or an attitude of superiority.