Condescension

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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.
     [1913 Webster]
  


           It forbids pride . . . and commands humility, modesty,
           and condescension to others.             --Tillotson.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Such a dignity and condescension . . . as are suitable
           to a superior nature.                    --Addison.
  
     Syn: Complaisance; courtesy; affability.
          [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  condescension
       n 1: the trait of displaying arrogance by patronizing those
            considered inferior [syn: {superciliousness}, {disdainfulness}]
       2: a communication that indicates lack of respect by
          patronizing the recipient [syn: {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: {condescendingness}]

From Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0 [moby-thes]:

  31 Moby Thesaurus words for "condescension":
     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