CONDESCENDINGLY Meaning and
Definition
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Condescendingly is an adverb that describes behavior or communication that is characterized by an air of superiority, arrogance, or patronizing attitude towards others. It refers to a manner or tone that belittles or looks down on someone else, implying a sense of superiority or a patronizing disposition.
When someone acts or speaks condescendingly, they adopt a dismissive or contemptuous demeanor towards others, often implying that they consider the person or their ideas to be inferior, less important, or unworthy of serious consideration. This behavior may manifest in various ways, such as speaking slowly or using simplified language as if addressing someone of lesser intellect, making sarcastic or mocking comments to undermine another person's confidence or expertise, or consistently interrupting or disregarding their views or opinions.
Condescension can occur in various settings, including personal relationships, social interactions, or professional environments. It can create a sense of inequality, diminishing the self-esteem and confidence of the person who is being looked down upon, as it implies that their thoughts, ideas, or contributions are not valued or respected.
Being condescendingly refers to displaying an attitude of superiority and condescension towards others, often resulting in a negative impact on interpersonal dynamics and communication. It is generally discouraged in social interactions, as it undermines equality and mutual respect between individuals.
Common Misspellings for CONDESCENDINGLY
Etymology of CONDESCENDINGLY
The word "condescendingly" is derived from the verb "condescend", which comes from Middle English "condescenden" or "condescenden", meaning "to agree" or "to yield". This Middle English term was borrowed from the Latin word "condescendere", which consists of "con-" (a prefix meaning "together" or "with") and "descendere" ("to come down" or "to descend"). The Latin root gives the sense of someone voluntarily lowering themselves or their opinion to communicate with someone perceived as inferior or in a patronizing manner. The adverb form "condescendingly" is used to describe the manner in which someone behaves condescendingly.
Similar spelling words for CONDESCENDINGLY
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