Condescending
mediumNegative tonekon-duh-SEN-ding
adjective
Definition
Having or showing an attitude of patronizing superiority
Memory hook
CONDE-SCENDING: descending from above to talk to you — showing patronizing superiority.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“His condescending tone irritated everyone in the room.”
“She found his condescending advice insulting rather than helpful.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“His ______ tone irritated everyone in the room.”
Show answer
condescending
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Condescending is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "patronizing" or "supercilious" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "humble".
Related GRE Words
patronizing
Treating with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority
contemptuous
Showing contempt; scornful; disdainful
supercilious
Behaving as though one is superior to others
disdainful
Showing contempt or lack of respect
haughty
Arrogantly superior; disdainfully proud
scornful
Feeling or expressing contempt or derision
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