condescension
/kɒndiˈsɛnʃən/
noun
🇬🇧 UK
/kɒndiˈsɛnʃən/
🇺🇸 US
/kɒndiˈsɛnʃən/
Meaning
-
Meaning 1 · noun
The act of condescending; a manner of behaving toward others in an outwardly polite way that nevertheless implies one’s own superiority to the others; patronizing courtesy toward inferiors.
“Conscious condescension breeds panderers and enemies, not friends.”
-
Meaning 2 · noun
(usually uncountable) A patronizing attitude or behavior.
How this word is used
- Everyday “Conscious condescension breeds panderers and enemies, not friends.”
- Academic “In academic writing, “condescension” can carry a precise technical sense.”
- Business “In business contexts, “condescension” should be used only when the meaning is unambiguous.”
Explain Like I'm New
AI explanations are generated and may differ from dictionary definitions.
Translate
Synonyms
Origin
Origin information unavailable.