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Definition of condescendingly

condescendingly

/ˌkɑːn.dəˈsɛn.dɪŋ.li/
con · de · scend · ing · ly
Adjective:condescending
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condescendingly Lexical Profile

condescendingly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner that displays an attitude of patronizing superiority toward others; in a way that talks down to people as if they were inferior or less intelligent.

Example

"The senior consultant smiled condescendingly when the intern asked a basic question about the software."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for condescendingly

• Nearby Words

condenser
condescend
condescending
condescendingly
condescension
condiment
condition

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'condescending' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. The root verb 'condescend' comes via Old French from Late Latin 'condescendere', literally meaning 'to descend together' or 'to stoop to someone's level', which originally described a gracious act of humility by a superior before shifting in the 18th century to its modern negative sense of patronizing superiority.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Condescendingly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/condescendingly
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