condescension

noun con·de·scen·sion \ ˌkän-di-ˈsen(t)-shən \

|Updated on: 16 Jul 2018

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

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Recent Examples of condescension from the Web

Just don’t dismiss them as ill-informed, don’t insult them with condescension.

— paul daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Paul Daugherty: Stick to sports? No, we need more athletes like Oscar Robertson.," 26 June 2018
Granik presents this grange and trailer park culture without a trace of condescension.

— peter rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, "'Leave No Trace' shows empathy for those on the fringes of society," 29 June 2018
Not sympathy—not looking in on the lives of others with pity or condescension; but empathy—finding resonance in the feelings of others in a meaningful, experiential, even transformative way.

— thomas harlander, Los Angeles Magazine, "Eddie Huang’s Immigrant-Focused Food Show Can’t Come Soon Enough," 20 June 2018
Her marvelous lyrics, surrealistic fashion statements and stage antics imply confusion, concern and consternation, without a whisper of condescension.

— doug maccash, NOLA.com, "Attention Hangout Fest: Don't you dare miss Tank and the Bangas," 18 May 2018
Their performances have no hint of condescension or preciousness.

— New York Times, "Review: ‘Dance Nation,’ the Power and the Terror of Girls at 13," 8 May 2018
Ideological condescension is not actually a ‘faith-rebuilding’ strategy.

— grant addison, National Review, "When College Presidents Mistake Lib-splaining for Conservative Outreach," 6 Feb. 2018
There are laughs, but the prevalent tone is one of discreet compassion, without condescension or sanctimony.

— patrick friel, Chicago Reader, "Film Five must-see heist films," 29 Jan. 2018
Among old-boy, old-school Democrats, there’s a whiff of condescension toward this feminizing of politics.

— lisa chase, Daily Intelligencer, "Stacey Vs. Stacey," 2 May 2018

These 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.