condescending

[kon-duh-sen-ding]

adjective

1. showing or implying a usually patronizing descent from dignity or superiority.

   They resented the older neighbors' condescending cordiality.

   Synonyms: supercilious, disdainful, patronizing

Other Word Forms

• condescendingly adverb
• noncondescending adjective
• noncondescendingly adverb
• noncondescendingness noun
• uncondescending adjective
• uncondescendingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of condescending¹

First recorded in 1630–40; condescend + -ing ²

Example Sentences

First and foremost among these is Jack O’Brien’s precise and invigorating direction, which treats the characters as our country cousins, never condescending to them, even at their laughable worst.

From Los Angeles Times

Harrison projects a ferocious determination that’s paired with an intense loathing for this condescending, demented misogynist.

From Los Angeles Times

That's especially aggravating in light of the reports that the White House is entertaining condescending policy pitches aimed at "persuading" women to have more children.

From Salon

Though they all slot into known archetypes — the steely yet vulnerable “final girl,” the condescending jock, the sarcastic pal, the kooky yet intuitive bestie — they’re all fully formed characters, sardonic and self-aware.

From Los Angeles Times

Milla’s choices are vexing, but her frustration with the condescending medical establishment is also understandable.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrogant 
• highfalutin 
• patronizing 
• snooty 

When To Use

What does condescending mean?

To be condescending is to interact with others in a way that implies that you’re superior to them. It especially refers to when this is done in an arrogant or patronizing way—meaning when you act as if you’re doing someone a favor by supposedly lowering yourself to their level of understanding or intelligence.Condescending is always used negatively and implies that such behavior is insulting to the person or people it’s directed toward.The word can be used to describe a person, their actions, or their words. It’s especially applied to words like comment, tone, and attitude. Being condescending often involves not only what is said, but also how it’s said. A condescending tone is often one that sounds like it’s directed at a child.Condescending is most commonly used as an adjective, but it’s also the continuous tense (-ing form) of the verb condescend, which most commonly means to act in this way. The act of doing so is called condescension.Example: You don’t have to be so condescending by explaining it to me with small words—I understand the topic just fine.