condescension

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

|Updated on: 18 Jun 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

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
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

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.