Look down upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Look down upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a feeling of superiority or disdain towards someone or something. Example: "She tends to look down upon those who do not share her educational background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In fact, I think they rather look down upon it".

The Guardian

You look down upon them from the catwalk, as if eavesdropping.

The New York Times

"Even within Mexico, they look down upon Caribbean Hispanics," he said.

The New Yorker

We look down upon those we perceive as weaker than us.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We don't look down upon those of you who haven't served," he said.

The New Yorker

I am now one of those people I look down upon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's because a lot of times people look down upon you if you're too friendly at times".

The New York Times - Sports

From an eminence just north of the Verrazano Bridge, you can look down upon the ship traffic coming through the Narrows.

The New Yorker

Mr. Santorum and Ms. Palin are spreading a poisonous meme: that liberals disdain the disabled and look down upon parents who raise children with physical or intellectual limitations.

The New York Times

Referring to the incident next day, Gandhi said that no one should look down upon the youth, who probably regarded him as an enemy of Hinduism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And, with a height of only 56 inches, the Mini is a car that a lot of people can look down upon.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look down upon" when you want to express a sense of superiority or condescension. However, be mindful of the context and audience, as this phrase can be perceived as judgmental or arrogant. Consider softening the language depending on your intent.

Common error

While "look down upon" is a valid expression, overuse can make your writing sound pretentious or overly critical. Vary your language by using synonyms like "disdain" or "scorn" to maintain a more nuanced and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "look down upon" functions as a transitive verb, indicating an action directed toward an object (the person or thing being viewed with disdain). Ludwig AI shows that this expression is commonly used to describe a feeling of superiority or condescension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "look down upon" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a feeling of superiority or condescension. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, it's important to be mindful of the potentially judgmental tone it conveys. Consider using synonyms like "disdain" or "scorn" for a more nuanced expression. Remember to avoid overuse to prevent your writing from sounding pretentious. It is more frequent in News & Media, Science and Wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regard with contempt

A formal and emphatic way of expressing strong disapproval and disrespect.

disdain

Suggests a feeling of superiority and a lack of respect.

scorn

Implies a feeling of contempt and disdain, often directed towards something considered unworthy.

despise

This is a more intense and direct way of expressing disapproval or contempt.

feel superior to

Highlights the feeling of being better than someone else.

deem inferior

Focuses on the act of judging something as being of lower quality or status.

patronize

Treating someone with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority.

take a dim view of

Indicates disapproval or a negative opinion, often in a more understated way.

belittle

This emphasizes the act of making someone or something seem less important.

snub

Ignore or reject (someone) in an insulting way.

FAQs

How can I use "look down upon" in a sentence?

You can use "look down upon" to describe a feeling of superiority or condescension towards someone or something. For example, "She tends to look down upon those who do not share her educational background".

What are some alternatives to "look down upon"?

Alternatives include "despise", "scorn", "disdain", and "regard with contempt", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "look down upon" someone?

Yes, "look down upon" generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting a feeling of superiority and a lack of respect for the person or thing being viewed with disdain. It implies a judgment of inferiority.

What's the difference between "look down upon" and "admire"?

"Look down upon" expresses a feeling of superiority and disdain, while "admire" expresses respect and approval. They are antonyms, representing opposite attitudes towards someone or something.