condescension
noun
con·de·scen·sion ˌkän-di-ˈsen(t)-shən 
1
: patronizing attitude or behavior
scoffing condescension by the "we know better than you" people
A. J. Anderson
A. J. Anderson2
: voluntary descent from one's rank or dignity in relations with an inferior
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The artistic censorship Lizzo and Beyoncé embrace is really just condescension. Armond White, National Review, 3 Aug. 2022 The deal is struck: Ben will put together one of those portraits in cross-cultural condescension that is sure to excite liberal urban listeners on the coasts. Kyle Smith, WSJ, 28 July 2022 Harper is under siege by multiple manifestations of toxic masculinity—lechery, neediness, condescension, even Geoffrey’s uncomfortable banter. David Sims, The Atlantic, 25 May 2022 Your sensitivity meter doesn’t have to be in overdrive to detect the racial condescension in these depictions of Thomas. Rich Lowry, National Review, 1 Apr. 2022 But condescension is bad, particularly across the color line and particularly at this moment in the history of race relations. David Remnick, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2022 The vain and flailing struggle to make films of social significance is part and parcel of the self-aware emptiness, the deliberate condescension, of most movies that make actors and directors rich and famous. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2022 It's done with such a tinge of condescension or derision with women. ELLE, 28 Mar. 2022 Without condescension or sentimentality, Haigh describes people who aspire to live in a double-wide trailer, who must decide between paying the water bill and the cable bill, who feel the humiliation of using food stamps. Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2022 See More
Armond White, National Review, 3 Aug. 2022 The deal is struck: Ben will put together one of those portraits in cross-cultural condescension that is sure to excite liberal urban listeners on the coasts. Kyle Smith, WSJ, 28 July 2022 Harper is under siege by multiple manifestations of toxic masculinity—lechery, neediness, condescension, even Geoffrey’s uncomfortable banter. David Sims, The Atlantic, 25 May 2022 Your sensitivity meter doesn’t have to be in overdrive to detect the racial condescension in these depictions of Thomas. Rich Lowry, National Review, 1 Apr. 2022 But condescension is bad, particularly across the color line and particularly at this moment in the history of race relations. David Remnick, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2022 The vain and flailing struggle to make films of social significance is part and parcel of the self-aware emptiness, the deliberate condescension, of most movies that make actors and directors rich and famous. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2022 It's done with such a tinge of condescension or derision with women. ELLE, 28 Mar. 2022 Without condescension or sentimentality, Haigh describes people who aspire to live in a double-wide trailer, who must decide between paying the water bill and the cable bill, who feel the humiliation of using food stamps. Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Late Latin condescension-, condescensio, from condescendere — see condescend
First Known Use
1647, in the meaning defined at sense 2
condescension
noun
as in arrogance
the attitude or behavior of people who believe they are more intelligent or better than other people The author discusses the politics of the region without condescension. Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- arrogance
- disdain
- superiority
- attitude
- dominance
- scorn
- inflation
- imperiousness
- masterfulness
- assumption
- consequence
- superciliousness
- haughtiness
- pretension
- hauteur
- pomposity
- snobbery
- pretense
- pompousness
- pridefulness
- presumptuousness
- snootiness
- peremptoriness
- loftiness
- snobbishness
- bossiness
- lordliness
- huffiness
- pretentiousness
- boastfulness
- pride
- brag
- snobbism
- vanity
- pretence
- bumptiousness
- authoritativeness
- smugness
- high-handedness
- triumphalism
- sauciness
- self-importance
- cheekiness
- bravado
- impudence
- side
- bowwow
- high horse
- impertinence
- cockiness
- egotism
- swagger
- self-consequence
- chest-thumping
- toploftiness
- bombast
- complacence
- vainglory
- egoism
- braggadocio
- self-assertion
- conceit
- cheek
- self-complacency
- strut
- self-centeredness
- self-satisfaction
- self-opinion
- self-conceit
- swelled head
- vaingloriousness
- self-content
- self-contentment
- superiority complex
- self-assumption
- self-partiality
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- humility
- modesty
- bashfulness
- unpretentiousness
- shyness
- timidity
- demureness
- diffidence
- passivity
- meekness
- timidness
- submissiveness
- lowliness
- passiveness
- unassumingness
- reservedness
- retiringness
- self-distrust
- self-doubt
- quietness
- reserve
- mousiness