look down on

USAGE SUMMARY

"look down on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express disapproval or condescension of another person or thing. For example: "I refuse to look down on those less fortunate than me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They'll look down on you".

The New York Times - Food

Cats look down on us.

Independent

SOME people look down on puns.

The Economist

"They look down on us," she added.

The New York Times

You can't look down on people.

Independent

Don't look down on foreign grads.

The New York Times

I look down on the trend.

The New Yorker

"He seems to look down on us".

Independent

They look down on us.

The Guardian

They look down on them".

The New Yorker

They look down on Trump".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "look down on", ensure the context clearly indicates who is holding the superior view and who is being viewed as inferior. Avoid ambiguity to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "look down on" when simply disagreeing with someone's opinion. This phrase implies a broader sense of superiority, not just a difference in viewpoint.

How to use

Learn how to use "look down on" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look down on" functions as a phrasal verb expressing an attitude of superiority or condescension. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Examples show it used to describe societal prejudices or personal feelings of disdain.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "look down on" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a sense of superiority or contempt. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage across a multitude of contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as wiki-based sources, it signifies a neutral register suitable for describing societal attitudes or personal opinions. When writing, ensure the context clearly identifies the holder of the superior view to avoid ambiguity. While synonyms such as "despise" or "scorn" exist, they often carry stronger negative connotations. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to the specific nuance you intend to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regard as inferior

This phrase clearly expresses the idea of considering someone or something as less important or of lower quality.

think little of

This phrase indicates a low opinion or lack of respect for someone or something.

have a low opinion of

Similar in meaning to "think little of", but more explicit and direct.

disdain

Similar to scorn, but may also suggest a feeling of superiority.

scorn

This term implies a feeling of contempt and disdain for someone or something considered unworthy.

despise

This word carries a stronger negative connotation than "look down on", suggesting intense dislike and contempt.

belittle

This verb focuses on the act of making someone or something seem unimportant or insignificant.

condescend

Similar to patronize, but more openly displaying a feeling of superiority.

patronize

This verb implies treating someone with condescension, often masking genuine respect.

snub

This term indicates a deliberate act of ignoring or rejecting someone, often due to a feeling of superiority.

FAQs

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

The phrase "look down on" is used to express that someone considers another person or thing to be inferior. For example, "Some people "look down on" others because of their social status".

What's the difference between "look down on" and "disrespect"?

"Look down on" implies a feeling of superiority and condescension, while "disrespect" simply means to show a lack of regard or consideration. You can "disrespect" someone without necessarily feeling superior to them.

What can I say instead of "look down on"?

You can use alternatives such as "despise", "scorn", or "regard as inferior" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "looking down on"?

Yes, "looking down on" is the present participle form and is grammatically correct. It can be used in continuous tenses, for example, "They are "looking down on" us because we don't have as much money".