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

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

From MarketWatch • May 20, 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 Romans look down on him, even as he does their bidding.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2025

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

From the pond as I sat I could look down on the field of wheat, a darker green acre in the pasture that stretched toward the gap.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien