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

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

When addressing someone they look down on or are disrespecting, the Yautja use wul, while someone they respect would be addressed as dau.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2025

It's likely that you have not heard of Taiwan's Hong Fu Industrial Group, but look down on a busy street and you may well see its products.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2025

These are clowns, these are people who are ridiculous because they want so desperately to be welcomed by the very people who look down on them.

From Slate • Nov. 18, 2024

Life is hard without Pa. People in the village look down on Ma because she is not good at field work.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung