condescending

Definitions

The adjective of condescend: con- (together) + de- (down) + scend (climb) + -ing. It describes someone 'climbing down to your level' — but doing it with the unmistakable air that they are stooping from above. The word always carries the sneer, never the genuine humility.

Common Collocations

• 1.condescending tone居高临下的语气
• 2.condescending manner屈尊俯就的态度
• 3.condescending attitude高人一等的姿态
• 4.condescending smile带优越感的微笑

Example Sentences

• 1.

  He spoke to us in a condescending tone, as if we were children.

• 2.

  I found her smile polite but slightly condescending.

• 3.

  Nobody likes a condescending boss who explains the obvious.

Easily Confused

condescending vs patronizing — near-synonyms for talking down to someone. patronizing often implies false kindness or over-explaining as if to a child; condescending stresses the sense of superiority. Both are insults; you rarely call yourself either.