condescension
noun
con·de·scen·sion
| \ ˌkän-di-ˈsen(t)-shən
\
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Definition of condescension
1
: patronizing attitude or behavior
scoffing condescension by the "we know better than you" people— A. J. Anderson
2
: voluntary descent from one's rank or dignity in relations with an inferior
Examples of condescension in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And when her crew surpassed expectations in the opening legs of the Whitbread Round the World Race, condescension grew to outright hostility. — Kerry Lengel, azcentral, "‘A tinful of tarts’: ‘Maiden’ documentary celebrates all-woman crew’s round-the-world race," 3 July 2019 There was instruction, but not condescension, advice but not orders, suggestions but not criticism. — Chuck Yarborough, cleveland.com, "Jason Mraz and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra discover ‘Life is Wonderful’ in collaborative concerts," 16 June 2019 But there is sometimes a touch of condescension to these depictions, too, as if young women of color are naturally imbued with moral righteousness. — Amanda Hess, New York Times, "Hollywood Reconsiders the Bad Female Boss, With a Generational Twist," 12 June 2019 He’d be accused of cultural appropriation, ethnic condescension, racial insensitivity. — Peggy Noonan, WSJ, "Baby, There’s a Chilling Effect Outside," 3 Jan. 2019 This is a clap of incredulity, maybe even condescension. — SELF, "Please Stop Trying to 'Encourage' Fat Athletes When You See Us Exercising," 26 May 2019 Where Huxtable was full of tricks and condescension, and Troy was broken and domineering, Joseph is hardworking, patient, and trusting. — Joelle Monique, Teen Vogue, ""If Beale Street Could Talk" Highlights the Power of Love in a World Designed for Black People to Fail," 9 Jan. 2019 Again and again, they are told that vocal qualities and tics like higher pitch, upspeak, and vocal fry — which are usually associated with women — are worthy of condescension and invalidating to the speaker. — Laura Hudson, The Verge, "Star Wars voice actress mocks Christine Blasey Ford’s voice during Kavanaugh testimony," 27 Sep. 2018 As today's proceedings went on, that low hum of condescension grew louder and louder. — Abby Gardner, Glamour, "During Christine Blasey Ford’s Testimony, Contempt for Women Was on Full Display," 27 Sep. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'condescension.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for condescension
condescension
noun
English Language Learners Definition of condescension
: the attitude or behavior of people who believe they are more intelligent or better than other people
See the full definition for condescension in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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