condescension

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

Updated on: 7 May 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

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
The lower economic classes have less access to the West and may regard the United States with a kind of cultural condescension.

— suzy hansen, The New Republic, "“What Difference Is Trump for Us?”," 24 Apr. 2018
Yet the nostalgia never reaches into sentimental condescension, either.

— tom philip, GQ, "One of the all-time great animated movies is streaming now.," 24 Apr. 2018
The film follows Marina (played by transgender actress Daniela Vega) in a quiet rebellion for dignity against condescension and relentless humiliation.

— jeffrey fleishman, latimes.com, "Oscar winner 'A Fantastic Woman' draws attention to transgender rights," 5 Mar. 2018
PiS promised them less condescension and more protection.

— The Economist, "Poland’s ruling Law and Justice party is doing lasting damage," 21 Apr. 2018
Whatever race or gender that person is, Google is an uncomfortable place for him and her, one saturated with racial obsessiveness and condescension.

— andrew sullivan, Daily Intelligencer, "Pope Francis Isn’t Catholicism’s Trump," 20 Apr. 2018
Like As If, there was no condescension from those behind the show.

— alim kheraj, GQ, "Why TV Needs More Gay Characters," 19 Apr. 2018
She was surrounded by the state’s leading political poohbahs who, as evidenced by the quarter-century-old photographs that captured the moment, smiled at her with just a hint of condescension.

— felice belman, BostonGlobe.com, "Forget what you thought about rooftop solar and consider these seven things instead," 18 Apr. 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.

Origin and Etymology of condescension

Late Latin condescension-, condescensio, from condescendere — see condescend

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1647

in the meaning defined at sense 2

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CONDESCENSION Defined for English Language Learners

condescension

noun

Definition of condescension for English Language Learners

: the attitude or behavior of people who believe they are more intelligent or better than other people

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