So take a look at some of these ways you're accidentally being condescending (whoops), as well as how to fix it. Condescending definition, showing or implying a usually patronizing descent from dignity or superiority: They resented the older neighbors' condescending cordiality. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Create an account and sign in to access this FREE content. Nobody likes hanging out with a condescending person. A wealthy lady at a bank hands the teller her very large deposit. Examples of Condescending in a sentence. I'm sure you didn't mean to, but it still happened. condescending: [adjective] showing or characterized by a patronizing or superior attitude toward others. But think back to the times when someone else was talking (say, in a work meeting), and you talked over them. View usage for: ‘The nights are fair drawing in’ is a trope about the weather that applies powerfully as you read this. Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. Helpful, yes. But not everyone likes it, so be careful when dishing out the pet names. Last 50 years But having seniority doesn't mean you have to turn your nose up at new employees. Last 300 years. Check Out: Rewire: Change Your Brain to Break Bad Habits, Overcome Addictions, Conquer Self-Destructive Behavior , $10, Amazon. So put yourself in their shoes, and always be polite. Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android. The online version of the Collins Dictionary has just been updated again, with another batch of new words and meanings inspired by the events of the summer. It makes sense why this might happen, too. Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible). Because, even if you're the sweetest person in the world, it's still possible to let your accidental superiority complex shine on. But let's look at your career, for a second. Yes, you have been in your job for forever. Think of the times you've rushed a salesperson along, or talked down to a busy cashier. The words condescending and patronizing present a fine example of this. Nobody likes a know-it-all, so if you think you're coming off this way, then try to be more open to other people's input, knowledge, and advice. Very few words in English have exactly the same meaning; even words which appear to be entirely synonymous often will be found to have small differences in certain contexts. How to use condescending in a sentence. It can come off as incredibly patronizing, according to Marya Smith on Prevention. I personally think it's absolutely adorable when, say, a sweet older lady calls me "hun." When I started out in my last job, I needed to network with the sales and marketing and other teams pretty quickly and soon encountered a few colleagues who had been working there for many years - sometimes 10+ years. After years of being a kid, you are finally a true, bonafide grownup in control of your own destiny. The next big sequel to roll off the assembly line (awful, … when the picturesque was seen close up, the "happy poverty" of the peasant was not always happy. Accommodating, sure. Yes, even if you are usually super nice. difficult to keep your judge-y advice to yourself, don't even realize you are being condescending, nothing to do with their outward appearance, your friend in feeling a little less alone, feel the need to offer unsolicited advice, refer to someone in the group in the third person. If you find yourself walking around with a condescending air, reign it all in, and remember to give others the respect they deserve. Those are way better compliments, anyway. There's definitely a holier-than-thou vibe to people who can't take advice. You probably don't even realize you are being condescending. Who knows why people do it, but every now and again someone will refer to someone in the group in the third person â as if he or she isn't standing right there. If a friend comes to you with a heart-wrenching issue, the last thing you want to say is, "Well, that's never happened to me, but..." I mean, really? I'm sure you mean well when dishing out the relationship advice. So get permission before doling it out. Copyright © 2010 by Accessed 2 Oct. 2020. But both of these words have specialized senses that lend a shade of meaning to their synonymous senses. Sometimes you want to run into a store, grab what you need, and GTFO. FYI, Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which were added independently from Bustle's sales and editorial departments after publication. condescending definition: The definition of condescending is acting in a way that shows a superior attitude. Remember, it's not the salespeople's fault that you're running late, or in a hurry. It may have come off as super go-getter of you, but in reality you deemed your voice to be more important than theirs. "Help them out with any tips you might have, like when the lunch area is most crowded or if certain people prefer to be addressed by a certain name." So if you don't have anything nice to say, simply don't say anything at all. So how can you possibly not come off as slightly condescending when helping the new girl learn the ropes? But it can quickly get out of hand, not to mention super hurtful. They are universally disliked, and their "advice" is hardly ever appreciated. And remember, there's nothing wrong with being confident, or making a joke. 'Collop' and 'kenspeckle' are among the most frequently looked-up words in August. Couldn't be. Rick said this condescending remark at work today: "I'm better than all of you!" Last 100 years Someone who is vegetarian never eats meat or fish. Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge! It'll make them feel welcome, and you far less imposing. Again, hardly anyone does this type of thing on purpose. However, if you don't know for sure that people's feelings won't get hurt, it's best to resist your comedic urges, and save everyone the potential hurt. But this can lead to some rude (and condescending) encounters. So take a look at some of these ways you're accidentally being condescending (whoops), as well as how to fix it. 2020 Bustle Digital Group. All the latest wordy news, linguistic insights, offers and competitions every month. Patronizing can mean "giving support to" or "being a customer of," suggesting that the "condescending" sense implies superiority gained through a donor-dependent relationship. There's absolutely nothing wrong with being confident in your knowledge. I'm fed up with your money and your whole condescending attitude. 'The practical work you did was of great value,' he went on condescendingly. Going forward, make it a point to give everyone the floor, and allow everyone to be heard. And yet, even though you know better, you might sometimes find yourself being the one who is condescending. You'll be much better liked for it. From moonshoot to balconing: discover the latest words added to the Collins Dictionary. Have you never been sad, or angry, or rejected? The moment you see some young thing strugglin' along (like you once did), it can be really difficult to keep your judge-y advice to yourself. After all, their clothes can be a direct reflection of their personality, their mood, or their money situation. See more. We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots! Their advice may be just what you need. The verb condescend used to be free of any hint of the offensive superiority it usually suggests today. Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words? Don't let this be you. “Condescending.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condescending. The only time it's a problem is when other people's feelings are being blatantly ignored. Unless you are dishing out a compliment, it's not really your place to pass judgement on what someone else is wearing. You may just learn something new, after all. What made you want to look up condescending? It's usually not true, so don't be afraid of hearing someone out, especially if that person loves you and means well. All rights reserved. And yet it happens. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'condescending.' When a few letters make a large difference. This way they have the option to say no, and theyâll likely give you more attention when theyâve agreed to take your help," said Maelina Frattaroli on TinyBuddha.com. showing that you are more important than others. All Years In our recent blogs about which words are most commonly looked for on the Collins dictionary website, we have tended to stress how the searches reflect the changes in society brought about by the various stages of the global Covid-19 epidemic. While the young lady is taking care of it, the wealthy lady says, “From what yard sale did you buy that scarf you’re wearing? Last 10 years It's taken you forever to work your way up from total underling, to someone with a bit of responsibility. And that's not OK. I get it. Or, you can offer up a compliment that has nothing to do with their outward appearance, according to Lindsay Holmes on HuffingtonPost.com. That's just the thing. 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