condescension

noun

con·​de·​scen·​sion ˌkän-di-ˈsen(t)-shən How to pronounce condescension (audio)
1
: patronizing attitude or behavior
scoffing condescension by the "we know better than you" peopleA. 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 While the films obviously view Texas through progressive lenses, the approach isn’t one of condescension but rather seeking greater understanding. Brian Lowry, CNN, 27 Feb. 2024 Explaining the meaning of her recent performance-art installment — one that involves a teepee and a deli meat slicer — Cara schools Whitney with condescension disguised as polite composure. EW.com, 6 Nov. 2023 There may be a touch of Cloud Atlas-style dystopian condescension in the notion of bringing AI to the benighted continent of Europe. Peter Vanham, Fortune Europe, 13 Feb. 2024 Decades later, Baudouin’s condescension remains startling. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023 Much of the criticism of Ms. Swift, meanwhile, seems tinged with condescension, suggesting that a 33-year-old female pop star is a gullible naïf, ripe for bamboozling by political operators. James Poniewozik, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2024 People who work in the realm of children’s books are used to encountering, among those who do not, attitudes that range from dreamy envy to the worst kind of condescension. Meghan Cox Gurdon, WSJ, 12 Jan. 2024 This condescension underlies movies that pass off illogic and omissions as marks of fantasy and imagination—or, at least, as good enough for children. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2023 Roger was annoyed because Philip Roth didn’t appreciate being on the receiving end of Roger’s condescension. David Marchese David Marchese Photograph By Mamadi Doumbouya, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'condescension.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of condescension was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near condescension

Cite this Entry

“Condescension.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condescension. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

condescension

noun
con·​de·​scen·​sion ˌkän-di-ˈsen-chən How to pronounce condescension (audio)
: the attitude or behavior of a person who condescends

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