adjective
condescending
KAWN-dih-sehnd-ihng
Condescending (adjective) means showing a superior, patronising attitude toward someone. Example: “His condescending remarks made the new employee feel stupid.”
adjective
1
Showing a superior, patronising attitude toward someone.
"His condescending remarks made the new employee feel stupid."
"Please don't use that condescending tone with me."
How to use condescending
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTalking down to someone as if they are less capable or intelligent.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
condescending tone
condescending remark
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more condescending
- Superlative
- most condescending
Fill the gap
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His _____ remarks made the new employee feel stupid.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for condescending
ending
sending
bending
lending
pending
mending
spending
unending
blending
trending
defending
ascending
See all rhymes for condescending →
Frequently asked questions
What does “condescending” mean?
The word “condescending” means showing a superior, patronising attitude toward someone. In plain terms, talking down to someone as if they are less capable or intelligent.
How do you pronounce “condescending”?
“Condescending” is pronounced KAWN-dih-sehnd-ihng (/ˌkɑndəˈsɛndɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “condescending” in a sentence?
Here is “condescending” used in a sentence: “His condescending remarks made the new employee feel stupid.”
What part of speech is “condescending”?
“Condescending” is an adjective.
