condescension
UK /kɒndiˈsɛnʃən/ · US /kɑndiˈsɛnʃən/ noun
Forms condescensions
- noun The act of condescending; a manner of behaving in an outwardly polite way that nevertheless implies superiority to another; patronizing courtesy toward inferiors. “Conscious condescension breeds panderers and enemies, not friends.”
- noun (usually uncountable, derogatory) A patronizing attitude or behavior.
- noun (archaic, non-derogatory) Courtesy, affability of a superior towards an inferior.
Synonyms
condescendence patronage superciliousness disdainfulness disdain condescendingness
Etymology
From Latin condēscēnsiō.
Webster’s 1913
- noun The act of condescending; voluntary descent from one's rank or dignity in intercourse with an inferior; courtesy toward inferiors.
Etymology [L. condescensio.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “condescension”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details