look down on

Idioms  

1. Also, look down one's nose at. Regard with contempt or condescension, consider oneself superior to. For example, When it comes to baking, Beth is a purist—she looks down on anyone who uses a mix, or Seniors have a way of looking down their noses at juniors. The first expression dates from about 1700, the second from about 1900.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

look down on

Why do wealthy retirees look down on those with less savings?

From MarketWatch ● May 20, 2026

"I'm not claiming that everyone should abandon marriage or look down on married people in any way," Seen says.

From BBC ● Apr. 18, 2026

Those who wince at the idea of a blue-collar career change don’t necessarily look down on people who work with their hands.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 15, 2026

The main tone of the videos is whiny, as the hosts complain endlessly that career federal employees look down on them.

From Salon ● Jan. 31, 2025

It bothers her, the ego in it, the way he builds himself up in his mind to look down on others.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

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