Definition of Condescending:
Condescending (adjective): Having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority.
Synonyms: patronizing, snobbish, superior, haughty
Antonyms: humble, respectful, deferential, modest
Memory Tip: Think of “condescending” as “descending” from a place of superiority to talk down to someone.
Conversation and Short Story Examples
Here is how “condescending” can be used in a casual conversation:
- Laura: Did you notice how he explained everything like we were children?
Mike: Yeah, it was so condescending. I didn’t appreciate his tone at all.
Let’s see how “condescending” can be used in a narrative context:
- Sarah had always been patient with her boss, but today was different. As he reviewed her project, his tone became increasingly condescending. “I’m sure you tried your best, Sarah,” he said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, “but maybe you should leave the more complex tasks to those with more experience.” The words stung. Sarah knew her work was solid, and she didn’t appreciate being talked down to. She decided it was time to address his attitude directly, knowing that allowing the condescending behavior to continue would only undermine her confidence and respect in the workplace.
Everyday Conversations
Here are examples of how to use “condescending” in a sentence during everyday conversations. Each sentence using “condescending” shows how it might naturally come up in casual dialogue:
- Her condescending tone made it clear she thought she was better than everyone else in the room.
- I didn’t like the way he was so condescending when explaining the instructions, as if I wouldn’t understand them.
- The customer service representative’s condescending attitude only made the situation worse.
Business and Professional Settings
Here are sentences using “condescending” in a professional setting. These examples of “condescending” in a sentence demonstrate how it can be applied in business and work environments:
- The manager’s condescending comments during the meeting left the team feeling undervalued and demoralized.
- Despite his extensive knowledge, his condescending delivery alienated his colleagues instead of inspiring them.
Educational and Academic Examples
These sentences show how “condescending” can be used in academic settings. Each sentence with “condescending” emphasizes its relevance in educational and scholarly contexts:
- The professor’s condescending tone when addressing students’ questions made them hesitant to participate in discussions.
- His condescending feedback on the paper was more discouraging than constructive.
Social and Cultural Contexts
Here are examples of “condescending” in a sentence within social and cultural contexts. Each sentence for “condescending” highlights its application in discussions about society and culture:
- His condescending remarks about the local customs were offensive to the community members.
- The author’s condescending attitude towards certain social groups was evident throughout the book.
Part of Speech
Explore how “condescending” is used in different parts of speech:
- Adjective: Her condescending attitude was evident in the way she addressed her employees.
- Noun (Condescension): His condescension was apparent in every word he spoke.
Tenses
Examples of “condescending” used in different tenses:
- Past Tense: His comments were condescending, making everyone feel uncomfortable.
- Present Tense: She is being condescending whenever she talks about her achievements.
- Future Tense: If he continues this way, he will come across as condescending.
Moods
How “condescending” is used in different moods:
- Imperative Mood: Avoid using a condescending tone when speaking to your colleagues.
- Interrogative Mood: Wasn’t that comment a bit condescending?
- Exclamatory Mood: How condescending of him to assume we didn’t understand!
Voices
How “condescending” is used in different voices:
- Active Voice: The teacher spoke in a condescending manner that discouraged students from asking questions.
- Passive Voice: The tone of the speech was perceived as condescending by the audience.
Literary Devices
How “condescending” can be used in various literary devices:
- Metaphor: His condescending tone was a wall, blocking any real communication.
- Simile: She spoke like a condescending queen, as if everyone else was beneath her.
- Personification: Condescension walked into the room with him, casting a shadow over the conversation.
- Alliteration: The condescending comments continued to create conflict.
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