What does it mean when a person is condescending?

What does it mean when a person is condescending?

Full Definition of condescending : showing or characterized by a patronizing or superior attitude toward others.

What is an example of condescending?

Examples of condescending behavior include acting as if you know everything and are not open to new ideas, reacting to an upset with “well, that's never happened to me”, offering unsolicited advice (unless you are a supervisor), not being open to feedback, referring to people in the group in the third person (even if ...

How do you tell if someone is being condescending?

10 Behaviors People Find Condescending

1. Explaining things that people already know. ...
2. Telling someone they “always” or “never” do something. ...
3. Interrupting to correct people's pronunciation. ...
4. Saying “Take it easy” ...
5. Saying you “actually” like an idea. ...
6. Doling out compliment sandwiches. ...
7. Demeaning nicknames like “Chief” or “Honey”

Is condescending positive or negative?

Condescension is a noun form of the verb condescend, which most commonly means to behave in this way. When used this way, condescend, condescension, and the adjective condescending are always negative and imply that such behavior is insulting to the person or people it's directed toward.

Is being condescending bad?

In the emotional sciences, condescension usually connotes contempt. It's bad enough to think you've been condescended to, but it's even worse to face the idea that your boss or colleague might actually be thinking of you with contempt.

What's the difference between condescending and patronizing?

"Condescending" and "patronizing" are synonyms and therefore can typically be used interchangeably. Condescending - "having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority." Patronizing - "apparently kind or helpful but betraying a feeling of superiority; condescending."

What causes condescending behavior?

Why People Condescend They're looking for a way to to demonstrate their superiority and comfort themselves that you're no threat to them and that they're worthier than anyone else. Others who condescend may, in fact, think too much of themselves, and use condescension to make themselves the focus of attention.

What is patronizing behavior?

Patronizing is the act of appearing kind or helpful but internally feeling superior to others. You should avoid acting in this way since it makes others feel like you look down on them. Patronizing behavior is a subtle form of bullying and can take many forms in the workplace.

How do you sound less condescending?

Assuming the words are not hurtful, we sound helpful not patronizing when we:

1. Learn what they think or feel instead of presuming to know. ...
2. Check our motives before we speak. ...
3. Ask permission to help before we give advice or a helping hand — regardless of our motives. ...
4. Be helpful in a way that the other person will value.

Can condescending be good?

They are universally disliked, and their "advice" is hardly ever appreciated. And yet, even though you know better, you might sometimes find yourself being the one who is condescending. Yes, even if you are usually super nice. And yes, even if you don't mean any harm.

What makes a person condescending?

• A condescending person tends to have some control issues, insecurities and emotional baggage. They deal with this by inappropriately projecting the persona of a parent or authority figure onto others who in the eyes of a reasonable person, would have as much agency, independence and personal power as they do.

What is the difference between "condescending" and "patronizing"?

• As adjectives the difference between condescending and patronizing is that condescending is assuming a tone of superiority, or a patronizing attitude while patronizing is offensively condescending. is that condescending is (condescend) while patronizing is (patronize).

What rhymes with condescending?

• Words and phrases that rhyme with condescending: (69 results) 2 syllables: bending, blending, ending, fending, friending, lending, mending, pending, rending, scending, sending, sendung, shending, spending, tending, trending, vending, wending. 3 syllables:

What to say to a condescending person?

• What to say to a condescending person Being condescending is an unintelligent way to make yourself feel superior. Your pompous attitude and condescending comments have convinced me that you are smart and very important. ... Just cause you look down on everyone doesn't mean they are looking up to you.