condescending

[kon-duh-sen-ding]

adjective

showing or implying a usually patronizing descent from dignity or superiority: They resented the older neighbors' condescending cordiality.

Origin of condescending

First recorded in 1630–40; condescend + -ing²

Related formscon·de·scend·ing·ly, adverbnon·con·de·scend·ing, adjectivenon·con·de·scend·ing·ly, adverbnon·con·de·scend·ing·ness, nounun·con·de·scend·ing, adjectiveun·con·de·scend·ing·ly, adverb

Synonyms for condescending

patronizing, disdainful, supercilious.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for uncondescending

Historical Examples of uncondescending

Under Mr. Bryant the Evening Post was an old-fashioned newspaper of uncondescending, uncompromising dignity.
Recollections of a Varied Life
George Cary Eggleston

British Dictionary definitions for uncondescending

condescending

adjective

showing or implying condescension by stooping to the level of one's inferiors, esp in a patronizing way

Derived Formscondescendingly, adverb

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 uncondescending

condescending

adj.

1707, present participle adjective from condescend. Originally in a positive sense (of God, the Savior, etc.) until late 18c. Related: Condescendingly (1650s).