condescension etymology

Etymology:

• Derived from Latin "descendĕre," meaning "to come down, descend."
• "Con" (prefix) implies "downward" or "with."

Meaning:

• An attitude or behavior that shows a superior and often dismissive attitude toward someone considered inferior.
• A feeling of superiority and disdain for others.

Origin:

In ancient Rome, "condescendĕre" was often used in a neutral or even positive sense, referring to the act of coming down from a higher position to meet someone on their own level. However, over time, the term acquired a more negative connotation.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, English writers began using "condescend" to describe the patronizing or haughty behavior of someone who regarded themselves as superior to others. By the 18th century, "condescension" had become firmly established as a term for an attitude of contempt.

Examples of Usage:

• "Her condescending tone made me feel like a child."
• "The manager's condescension towards his employees created a toxic work environment."
• "Some people seem to take pleasure in condescension, putting others down to make themselves feel superior."

condescension relate terms

• condescend

  Etymology The word condescend comes from the Latin word condescendere which means t

• scan

  Etymology The word scan comes from the Latin scandere which means to climb or to

• patronize

  Etymology From Middle English patronisen with the suffix ise indicating a verb from a n

• disdain

  Etymology The word disdain comes from the Old French word desdaignier meaning to

• patronage

  Etymology The word patronage originates from the Latin word patronus meaning protec

• fellow

  Etymology Fellow comes from Middle English felowe which in turn originated from Old

• community

  Community etymology is the process of creating a new word or phrase by re analyzing an exi

• disparagement

  Etymology Dis prefix denoting negative or reverse action paragement noun from Ol

• arrogance

  Etymology Origin Latin arrogare to claim for oneself to appropriate Meaning An exa

• derogation

  Etymology From Middle English derogacion from Latin dērogātiō from dērogāre to

• gobbledygook

  Etymology The word gobbledygook is a portmanteau of two words Gobble To speak or e

• perspective

  Etymology Perspective comes from the Latin word perspicere which means to see throu