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condescending

[kon-duh-sen-ding]
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adjective
  1. showing or implying a usually patronizing descent from dignity or superiority: They resented the older neighbors' condescending cordiality.
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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

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patronizing, disdainful, supercilious.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for uncondescending

Historical Examples

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

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper