condescension

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

Updated on: 24 Apr 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

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
Despite some contrivances in the ensuing action, the eventual meeting between Joey and Dixon (Reg E. Cathey) makes for the picture's most credible scene, with Cathey offering a mix of condescension and sympathy.

— john defore, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Flock of Four': Film Review," 9 Apr. 2018
The storm of criticism that followed arrived with a mix of fierce anger and lofty condescension.

— gregory krieg, CNN, "When MLK turned on Vietnam, even liberal 'allies' turned on him," 4 Apr. 2018
But there always was—especially on 30 Rock—an undertone of condescension in the way Morgan was positioned on those shows, a sense that he was merely being asked to do his Tracy Morgan thing without much thought or interrogation behind it.

— richard lawson, HWD, "The Last O.G. Is a Funny, Surprisingly Sweet Showcase for Tracy Morgan," 2 Apr. 2018
Implied in her condescension is a belief that anyone who takes issue with Roiphe’s own particular beliefs belongs to a hysterical mob that performs their political virtue online.

— amanda arnold, The Cut, "Turns Out the Katie Roiphe Article Is Boring," 4 Feb. 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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