Meaning & use
condescendingly
Last updated
In a manner that shows an attitude of patronizing superiority toward someone regarded as inferior.
See it in a sentence
He spoke condescendingly to the new intern, as if she couldn't understand basic instructions.
She smiled condescendingly and explained the obvious point again, slowly.
A note on using this word
Originally "condescend" meant simply to graciously lower oneself to another's level; the modern negative, patronizing sense developed later.
Words with a similar meaning
patronizinglydisdainfully
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Words with an opposite meaning
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