condescending

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'condescending' is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone who speaks to or about another in a patronizing or superior way. An example sentence would be: "The professor's condescending tone made it difficult for the students to express their opinions".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is deeply condescending towards the electorate to think votes are won on the basis of a politician's partner.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it could be seen as insufferably condescending, a way of making US college kids feel good about themselves.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 10.43am ET15 43 Hensarling asks a rather condescending question: "Are you a sensible central banker, and if not, when will you become one?" Yellen does not seem bothered: "Mr. congressman, I believe that I am one.

The Guardian - Business

At first Sackett found the reception of his ideas by the medical establishment to be "negative, condescending and dismissive".

The Guardian

Republicans protested that Biden's performance was disrespectful, citing his interruptions and laughing at Ryan as condescending.

The Guardian

In terms of the Sun's decision, I envisage little smirks and condescending comments from male cynics who believe us feminists focus on irrelevancies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Advertising people were, he said recently, deeply condescending about the fledgling Wolff Olins business.

The Guardian

Mundine described Abbott's comments as "silly" and "bizarre", although deliberately provocative, culturally condescending, retrograde and insulting might have been more apt.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's condescending and also condescending to men by telling them that this isn't a book for them.

The Guardian - Books

Then it all got rather personal: from who was/wasn't being condescending to who was offensive, who was talking crap, who was horribly drunk, pigheaded, or should stop standing up, red-faced, screaming and bellowing, and try listening to someone else for a change, or was a liberal wet, a dinosaur or a fascist and should shut up or "fuck-off".

The Guardian

Zarif, like President Hassan Rouhani and several other senior members of the Iranian government, holds an advanced degree from a western university, and appears to have taken umbrage at the condescending tone of the senators' letter.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "condescending" to accurately portray a speaker's or writer's tone, ensuring that the context clearly demonstrates an attitude of superiority or disdain towards the subject.

Common error

Avoid labeling well-intentioned advice as "condescending" simply because it points out areas for improvement; true condescension involves an attitude of superiority, not just constructive criticism.

Linguistic Context

The word "condescending" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a tone, attitude, or behavior that implies superiority. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of its use in describing various forms of communication and interaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

This guide provides a comprehensive analysis of the word "condescending". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common, primarily used as an adjective to describe behavior or language that implies a sense of superiority. It is frequently found in "News & Media", and to a lesser extent in "Formal & Business" contexts. Related phrases include "patronizing", "superior", and "haughty". When using "condescending", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates an attitude of superiority rather than simply constructive criticism. Avoid misinterpreting genuine advice as condescension. By understanding its nuances and contexts, you can use "condescending" effectively and avoid common misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patronizing

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

superior

Suggests a belief in being better or more important than others.

haughty

Conveys an attitude of arrogance or disdain.

arrogant

Indicates an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities.

snobbish

Implies behaving in a way that shows disapproval of those considered to be of lower social class or status.

disdainful

Shows a lack of respect or contempt for something or someone.

supercilious

Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others.

paternalistic

Describes treating others in a way that is suggestive of a father's relationship with a child.

patronizingly

Adverb form of patronizing, indicating an action done in a patronizing manner.

stooping

Lowering oneself to do something considered beneath one's dignity; can imply condescension.

FAQs

How to use "condescending" in a sentence?

You can use "condescending" to describe someone's behavior or tone, such as: "His "condescending" remarks made everyone uncomfortable" or "She had a "condescending" way of explaining things, as if we were children".

What can I say instead of "condescending"?

You can use alternatives like "patronizing", "superior", or "haughty" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "condescending" or "descending"?

"Condescending" describes an attitude of superiority, while "descending" means moving downwards. They have completely different meanings and cannot be used interchangeably.

What's the difference between "condescending" and "arrogant"?

"Arrogant" describes someone with an exaggerated sense of their own importance, while "condescending" describes someone who speaks or behaves as if they are superior to others. "Condescending" behavior often implies a belittling of others, while arrogance focuses on self-aggrandizement.