air of condescension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "air of condescension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a manner or attitude that conveys superiority or disdain towards others. Example: "Her air of condescension made it difficult for her colleagues to approach her with their ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

As young Brandon sized me up, I detected an air of condescension in his demeanor.

The New Yorker

But, if so, I didn't feel it worked, instead it led to a slight air of condescension, presumably the last thing the author intended.

Independent

After three months of this, for a reason I now forget, I ventured solo into Simpson's in the Strand, a clubby British beef parlor with paneled walls, waiters in tails and a serious air of condescension.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is hard to imagine King Abdullah holding his own against such seasoned politicians, let alone wringing concessions from them.President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, epitomising the faint air of condescension exuded by many of the Arab leaders at the funeral, called the 37-year-old king "a very good young man".

The Economist

This kind of thinking was the great folly of the Republican National Convention in Tampa last year: a showcase of diversity at the top undergirded by policies that suppress it among the rank-and-file, not to mention outreach that seemed to underscore the essential air of condescension.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's important to note that the Nu Jazz Lad is distinct from those weird young people who are into Actual Jazz – the ones who wear porkpie hats and a general air of condescension and involuntary celibacy.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A few of the best dressed pose for photos with faint smiles and an air of polite condescension.

The Guardian - Travel

In the lesser stories these folks are simply tiresome and depressing — characters toward whom Mr. Wolff assumes an air of weary condescension.

The New York Times - Books

In mid-December, Markowitz shared a platform with Mayor Bloomberg at an event announcing an investment in the neglected Restoration Plaza, on Fulton Street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn, and the Mayor introduced him with an air of amused condescension.

The New Yorker

The work took on an occasional air of preëmpted condescension, sometimes seeming to embody a swallowed riposte to neighbors, colleagues, or fellow-poets whom Ammons greeted in real space with perfect courtesy.

The New Yorker

Instead of the deference shown to religion in most places around the globe, religious people, and institutions, elicit an air of casual condescension there (4).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "air of condescension" to subtly convey a character's or situation's inherent sense of superiority without explicitly stating it. It adds nuance and depth to descriptions.

Common error

Avoid placing "air of condescension" directly in dialogue. Instead of saying, "He spoke with an air of condescension", show the condescension through actions, tone, and word choice for a more impactful effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "air of condescension" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as an object of a verb or preposition to describe a quality or atmosphere. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "air of condescension" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon noun phrase used to describe a sense of superiority or disdain. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it effectively conveys a feeling of being looked down upon. For alternative expressions, consider "tone of superiority" or "attitude of disdain", depending on the specific nuance you aim to capture. While grammatically correct, showing rather than telling will have a more powerful effect. Instead of saying someone has an "air of condescension", show it through their actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

condescending attitude

More direct and less subtle than "air of condescension".

supercilious air

Similar to the original phrase, but uses "supercilious" to emphasize the arrogance.

tone of superiority

Focuses on the vocal expression of condescension, rather than the overall demeanor.

attitude of disdain

Emphasizes the feeling of contempt underlying the condescending behavior.

patronizing tone

Specifically addresses the vocal element of being condescending.

patronizing manner

Highlights the act of treating someone as inferior in a seemingly kind way.

superior attitude

Directly states the belief in one's own higher status or worth.

lofty demeanor

Suggests an elevated and distant behavior, implying condescension.

haughty disposition

Conveys arrogance and a sense of being better than others.

smugness

Implies self-satisfaction and a sense of looking down on others.

FAQs

How can I describe someone showing an "air of condescension"?

Instead of directly stating someone has an "air of condescension", describe their actions. Show how they speak down to others, dismiss their ideas, or act superior. These behaviors imply the "air of condescension" without explicitly stating it.

What's the difference between "air of condescension" and "condescending attitude"?

"Air of condescension" suggests a more subtle and pervasive sense of superiority, an unspoken feeling that permeates their behavior. "Condescending attitude" is a more direct and obvious display of looking down on others.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "air of condescension"?

It's best to use "air of condescension" when describing a character or situation from an objective viewpoint. This allows the reader to interpret the subtle nuances of the condescending behavior without feeling lectured or told how to feel.

What are some alternative phrases to "air of condescension"?

You can use alternatives like "tone of superiority", "attitude of disdain", or "patronizing manner" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.