Word Explorer
Condescending
/ˈkɔn.dɪ.sɛnd.ɪŋ/
To come down from one's superior position; to deign (to do something).
📖 Definitions of "Condescending"
- 1
To come down from one's superior position; to deign (to do something).
- 2
To treat (someone) as though inferior; to be patronizing (toward someone); to talk down (to someone).
- 3
(possibly nonstandard) To treat (someone) as though inferior; to be patronizing toward (someone); to talk down to (someone).
- 4
To consent, agree.
- 1
Assuming a tone of superiority, or a patronizing attitude.
"Quit talking to me in that condescending tone! You always treat me like a child!"
🔄 Synonyms of "Condescending"
4 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| patronizing | Offensively condescending. |
| patronising | (British spelling) Alternative spelling of patronizing. [Offensively condescending.] |
| archnoun | (architecture) An architectural element having the shape of an arch |
| superiornoun | Higher in rank, status, or quality. |
💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Condescending"
Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| patronizingnoun | Offensively condescending. |
| superiornoun | Higher in rank, status, or quality. |
| patronising | (British spelling) Alternative spelling of patronizing. [Offensively condescending.] |
| archnoun | (architecture) An architectural element having the shape of an arch |
| complacent | Uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements; smug. |
| demeaning | Degrading; that degrades. |
| lenientnoun | Lax; not strict; tolerant of dissent or deviation. |
| dismissive | Showing disregard, indicating rejection, serving to dismiss. |
| highnoun | Physically elevated, extending above a base or average level: |
| topnoun | The highest or uppermost part of something. |
| paternalistic | of, pertaining to, characteristic of or practicing paternalism |
| deprecatingnoun | In manner that deprecates; insulting; belittling. |
| insolent | Rude. |
| deferential | Respectful and considerate; showing deference. |
| dictatorial | of or pertaining to a dictator |
| slightingnoun | The act of giving a slight or snub. |
| self-deprecating | unassuming, modest |
| sardonic | Scornfully mocking or cynical. |
| unctuous | Profusely polite, especially in an insincere and unpleasant manner. |
| dumbed-down | Made condescendingly simple. |
⚡ Words Strongly Associated with "Condescending"
These words statistically appear in the same text as "condescending" (Google Books Ngrams).
🎨 Adjectives for "Condescending"
Popular adjectives used to describe this word in books.
🏷️ Nouns for "Condescending"
Common nouns this word is used to describe.
📝 Common Phrases with "Condescending"
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