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.

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

look down on

“Why would I be ashamed of that?” he asked, adding that he doesn’t look down on immigrants who are now making the same choice.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

The Labour MP for Blyth and Ashington joined fellow MPs railing against those who look down on people because of how they speak, during a debate in Parliament.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

Why do wealthy retirees look down on others?

From MarketWatch ● May 15, 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

“But you really look down on me,” Rachael said.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---