condescension

noun

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

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

In addition to the bylaws allegations, Soriano has accused Wulff of bullying and condescension. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025

For decades, Russians have regarded their superpower rival with a mixture of admiration and hatred, condescension and envy. —Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 9 May 2025

And over time, that suspicion hardened into something harsher: dismissal, condescension, and, ironically, meanness. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025

What united them all was an attempt to crowbar these classic characters into a contemporary setting that was inevitably accompanied by cynicism and condescension. —EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for condescension

• apprehension
• comprehension
• hypertension
• hypotension
• reinvention
• reprehension
• resuspension
• attention
• contention
• convention
• declension
• detention

Kids Definition

condescension

noun

con·​de·​scen·​sion ˌkän-di-ˈsen-chən 

: the attitude or behavior of a person who condescends