condescension
[kon-duh-sen-shuh n]
- an act or instance of condescending.
- behavior that is patronizing or condescending.
- voluntary assumption of equality with a person regarded as inferior.
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Origin of condescension
First recorded in 1635–45, condescension is from the Late Latin word condēscēnsiōn- (stem of condēscēnsiō). See con-, descension
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for condescension
Contemporary Examples
President 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.
Ironically, their claims of condescension are condescending themselves.
Earlier in the book, Murray waxed indignant about the "condescension toward the rabble" he detected in the new upper class.
They take on a protective stance in public, and they exude insecurity in their condescension.
Historical Examples
O my dear, how my mother's condescension distressed me at the time!
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
The lunatic approached Cesarini with an air of dignity and condescension.
Alice, or The Mysteries, CompleteEdward Bulwer-Lytton
The house was kept in a homely manner, and the condescension of Mr Blandois was infinite.
Little DorritCharles Dickens
They were always forgiving me, in their vanity and condescension.
Little DorritCharles Dickens
And there must be in it no touch of condescension, no shadow of patronage.
The Uncommercial TravellerCharles Dickens
condescension
- the act or an instance of behaving in a patronizing way
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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
Word Origin and History for condescension
n.
1640s, from Late Latin condescensionem, noun of action from past participle stem of condescendere (see condescend).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper