Home / Dictionary / condescending

condescending

/ˈkɔn.dɪ.sɛnd.ɪŋ/
verb
  1. To come down from one's superior position; to deign (to do something).

  2. To treat (someone) as though inferior; to be patronizing (toward someone); to talk down (to someone).

  3. (possibly nonstandard) To treat (someone) as though inferior; to be patronizing toward (someone); to talk down to (someone).

Synonymsdescend, acquiesce, deign, stoop, vouchsafe, yield
adjective
  1. Assuming a tone of superiority, or a patronizing attitude.

    "Quit talking to me in that condescending tone! You always treat me like a child!"

Synonymspatronizing

Practice "condescending" in context

WordNote uses spaced repetition across multiple quiz levels, from recognizing the meaning to recalling it in active practice.

Save to WordNote — it's free →

No credit card. No install required.