condescending
condescending
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "condescending" is:
/kənˈdɛsɪŋ/
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
First syllable:
/kən/ - /k/ (voiceless velar stop) + /ən/ (nasalized vowel)
Second syllable:
/ˈdɛs/ - /ˈd/ (voiced alveolar stop) + /ɛ/ (open-mid front unrounded vowel) + /s/ (voiceless alveolar fricative)
Third syllable:
/ɪŋ/ - /ɪ/ (close front unrounded vowel) + /ŋ/ (velar nasal)
Word Form Variations
The word "condescending" is an adjective, so it doesn't have plural or singular forms. However, it can be used to form other words:
Verb: condescend (to) - to behave in a patronizing manner
Noun: condescension - a patronizing or superior manner
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Adjective
Definition: Showing a feeling of superiority or patronizing attitude towards someone.
Synonyms: Patronizing, arrogant, disdainful, supercilious, haughty
Antonyms: Humble, modest, respectful, deferential
Verb
Definition: To behave in a patronizing or superior manner towards someone.
Synonyms: Look down on, patronize, sneer at, belittle
Antonyms: Respect, admire, venerate, esteem
Noun
Definition: A patronizing or superior manner or attitude.
Synonyms: Arrogance, disdain, haughtiness, superciliousness
Antonyms: Humility, modesty, respect, deference
Examples of Use
Books
"He wore a condescending smile that implied she was incapable of understanding anything." (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice)
"The professor's tone was condescending, as if he were speaking to a child." (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone)
Newspapers
"The article was criticized for its condescending tone towards immigrants." (The New York Times)
"The politician's condescending remarks sparked outrage on social media." (The Washington Post)
Online Publications
"The YouTuber's condescending attitude towards his viewers was widely criticized." (BuzzFeed)
"The blogger's condescending tone was off-putting to many readers." (Medium)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
TV: A character on a sitcom might make condescending remarks to a less intelligent character.
Movies: A villain might use a condescending tone to taunt the hero.
Video Games: A non-player character (NPC) might speak condescendingly to the player character.
Social Media: Users might comment condescendingly on other people's posts.
General Public Discourse
"His condescending attitude towards women was unacceptable." (A conversation between friends)
"The teacher's condescending tone made the students feel uncomfortable." (A parent-teacher conference)
Note: These are just a few examples, and the word "condescending" can be used in countless other contexts.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Condescending
"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him."
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (related to condescending attitudes)"There is nothing more condescending than an unearned sense of superiority."
— Anonymous"Condescension is not a sign of power but of insecurity."
— Anonymous"True nobility is being superior to your former self, not feeling superior to others."
— Ernest Hemingway (often interpreted in contrast to condescending behavior)"Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance."
— George Bernard Shaw (often used when discussing condescending attitudes)"Don't be condescending to unskilled labor. Try it for a half a day first."
— Brooks Atkinson"A condescending smile is a crooked smile that bends in only one direction."
— Anonymous"Arrogance is not strength; it's a façade of insecurity hidden behind condescension."
— Anonymous"A person who feels the need to demean others for a sense of importance is only exposing their own weakness."
— Anonymous"A condescending attitude only reveals the lack of respect one holds for others."
— Anonymous
Etymology
The word "condescending" comes from the Latin word "condescendere," which means "to come down" or "to descend." This is because the word implies a feeling of superiority, as if someone is looking down on others.
The first known use of "condescending" in English was in the late 16th century, and it had a slightly different meaning than it does today. Back then, it meant "to yield to a request or demand," or "to submit to something." Over time, the meaning shifted to its current one, which is to behave in a patronizing or superior manner.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Condescending
Idioms with Similar Meaning:
Look down one's nose at: To regard someone with contempt or disdain.
Turn up one's nose at: To reject or disdain something.
Talk down to: To speak to someone in a condescending or patronizing manner.
Phrases Using Similar Concepts:
High and mighty: Arrogant and condescending.
Full of oneself: Overly proud or conceited.
Nose-in-the-air: Arrogant and disdainful.
Patronizing tone: A condescending or superior manner.
Reason for Limited Idiomatic Usage:
Relatively Modern Word: "Condescending" is a relatively modern word, compared to many other words used in idioms. This might contribute to its limited use in idiomatic expressions.
Specific Connotation: The word carries a very specific connotation of superiority and condescension. This might make it less suitable for idiomatic use, which often requires more general or metaphorical language.
These phrases and idioms provide similar meanings to "condescending" and can be used in various contexts to convey a sense of arrogance, superiority, or disdain.
Posts Related to Condescending
Source Information
Definition of condescending from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
