Meaning & use
condescension
An attitude of superiority shown toward someone regarded as less important or capable.
See it in a sentence
His condescension toward junior staff made him deeply unpopular in the office.
She bristled at the condescension in his voice when he explained something she already knew.
A note on using this word
Condescension describes a tone or manner, often detectable in word choice or voice, rather than an explicit insult.
Words with a similar meaning
disdainpatronizing attitude
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
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