condescension

[ kon-duh-sen-shuhn ]

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.

Other Words From

• con·de·scen·sive [kon-d, uh, -, sen, -siv], adjective
• conde·scensive·ly adverb
• noncon·de·scension noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of condescension¹

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

Example Sentences

The irony is that the president, with smug condescension, is quick to attack others for being out of touch with reality.

From The Daily Beast

President Kennedy smiled without a hint of condescension and extended a hand to Douglas that was at once firm and remarkably soft.

From The Daily Beast

The men in The Group behave with glibness, condescension, and even brutality toward the Vassar grads.

From The Daily Beast

Ironically, their claims of condescension are condescending themselves.

From The Daily Beast

Obama can exhibit strains of personal diffidence, even condescension, toward people, especially critics.

From The Daily Beast

The duke was in the highest animation, and he talked to every one round him, as we marched along, with more than condescension.

From Project Gutenberg

A loud laugh greeted this remark, and Billy, smiling with condescension, said he was gratified by their approval.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a slight, almost indescribable tone of condescension or disparagement in her voice, the reason of which I will explain.

From Project Gutenberg

Her overtures of familiarity and service was unskilfully made; her very timidity construed into labored condescension.

From Project Gutenberg

The act had condescension in it; yet, too, something unconsciously simple and primitive.

From Project Gutenberg