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condescending — having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌkɑːndɪˈsendɪŋ/

Example Sentences

  • Stop being so condescending - I know how to use a smartphone!
  • My boss has a condescending way of explaining things, as if we're all five years old.
  • Her condescending comment about my cooking made me never want to invite her again.

condescending

ADJECTIVE

[/ˌkɑːndɪˈsendɪŋ/]

having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority

His condescending smile made the new intern feel two inches tall.
💡 Concept

His condescending smile made the new intern feel two inches tall.

Condescending to those ascending while he's descending
🎵 Rhyme

Condescending to those ascending while he's descending

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌkɑːndɪˈsendɪŋ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌkɒndɪˈsendɪŋ/

🌳Etymology

Prefixcon--
Rootdescend
Suffix--ing

Origin

From Latin condescendere, meaning 'to come down' or 'to descend.' Originally described the act of graciously lowering oneself to help others, but evolved to mean acting superior while pretending to be helpful.

Breakdown

con- (together/with) + de- (down) + scend- (to climb) + -ing (present participle suffix)

🎵Rhyme

ascending
descending
pending

🔗Collocations

condescending attitude
condescending tone
condescending smile
sound condescending
condescending remarks
condescending manner

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“Stop being so condescending - I know how to use a smartphone!”

😄 Fun example

“My boss has a condescending way of explaining things, as if we're all five years old.”

“Her condescending comment about my cooking made me never want to invite her again.”

“The professor's condescending lecture made students feel stupid rather than educated.”

📚Related Words

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