Adjacent Words

Condescension definitions

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Webster's 1828 Dictionary

CONDESCENSION, n. Voluntary descent from rank, dignity or just claims; relinquishment of strict right; submission to inferiors in granting requests or performing acts which strict justice does not require. Hence, courtesy.
It forbids pride and commands humility, modesty and condescension to others.
Raphael, amidst his tenderness, shows such a dignity and condescension in all his behavior, as are suitable to a superior nature.

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: the trait of displaying arrogance by patronizing those considered inferior [syn: condescension, superciliousness, disdainfulness]
2: a communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient [syn: condescension, disdain, patronage]
3: affability to your inferiors and temporary disregard for differences of position or rank; "the queen's condescension was intended to make us feel comfortable" [syn: condescension, condescendingness]

Merriam Webster's

noun Etymology: Late Latin condescension-, condescensio, from condescendere Date: 1647 1. voluntary descent from one's rank or dignity in relations with an inferior 2. patronizing attitude or behavior

Oxford Reference Dictionary

n. 1 a patronizing manner. 2 affability towards inferiors. Etymology: obs. F f. eccl.L condescensio (as condescend)

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Condescension Con`de*scen"sion, n. [L. condescensio.] The act of condescending; voluntary descent from one's rank or dignity in intercourse with an inferior; courtesy toward inferiors. It forbids pride . . . and commands humility, modesty, and condescension to others. --Tillotson. Such a dignity and condescension . . . as are suitable to a superior nature. --Addison. Syn: Complaisance; courtesy; affability.

Collin's Cobuild Dictionary

Condescension is condescending behaviour. There was a tinge of condescension in her greeting. [disapproval]

Soule's Dictionary of English Synonyms

n. Graciousness, gracious favor, gracious temper or disposition.

Moby Thesaurus

Olympian detachment, Olympian loftiness, arrogance, arrogantness, assumption of superiority, condescendence, deigning, domineering, domineeringness, haughtiness, haughty airs, hauteur, high horse, hoity-toitiness, hoity-toity, loftiness, overbearing pride, overbearingness, overweening pride, patronization, patronizing, patronizing attitude, pride, proudness, purse-pride, side, stiff-necked pride, superbia, toploftiness, uppishness, uppityness