condescendence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/AdvancedFormal, Literary, sometimes pejorative
Quick answer
What does “condescendence” mean?
An attitude or behaviour of patronising superiority.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An attitude or behaviour of patronising superiority; talking or acting in a way that shows you feel superior to others.
The act of condescending; specifically, a patronising attitude or behaviour; also used in some legal contexts (Scots law) to refer to a formal statement or disclosure of facts, but this usage is extremely rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'condescension' far more frequently. 'Condescendence' is archaic/rare in both, but may be marginally more recognised in British English due to historical literary use. The specific Scots law meaning is not used in American English.
Connotations
Identical in connotation where used: negative and formal.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. 'Condescension' is the standard noun. Learners should prioritise 'condescension'.
Grammar
How to Use “condescendence” in a Sentence
[Subject]'s condescendence (towards [Object])an attitude of condescendencethe condescendence of [Subject]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “condescendence” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He would never condescend to join us for a pub quiz.
American English
- She refused to condescend to their level during the debate.
adverb
British English
- He explained it condescendingly, as if to a child.
adjective
British English
- His condescending smile made her feel utterly dismissed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in critical analysis of management style: 'The CEO's condescendence towards junior staff created a toxic culture.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism or social analysis to describe character attitudes or authorial tone. 'The essay critiques the narrator's condescendence towards the rural characters.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in spoken English. The word 'condescension' or phrases like 'patronising attitude' are used instead.
Technical
In Scots law, a historical term for a formal statement of facts in a legal document. This usage is highly specialised and obsolete in general language.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “condescendence”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “condescendence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “condescendence”
- Using it instead of the far more common 'condescension'.
- Misspelling as 'condescendance'.
- Using it in informal contexts where it sounds unnatural and pretentious.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is archaic and very rare. The standard, modern noun for the behaviour is 'condescension'. 'Condescendence' is primarily found in older texts or highly formal writing.
In modern usage, there is no significant difference in meaning. 'Condescension' is vastly more common and should be your default choice. 'Condescendence' sounds old-fashioned or deliberately stylistic.
It is safer to use 'condescension'. Using 'condescendence' might be marked as an error or seem like a mistake for the more common word, rather than a demonstration of advanced vocabulary.
No. Unlike the verb 'condescend', which could historically have a neutral meaning of 'to deign', the noun 'condescendence' (like 'condescension') almost always carries a negative, critical connotation.
An attitude or behaviour of patronising superiority.
Condescendence is usually formal, literary, sometimes pejorative in register.
Condescendence: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒn.dɪˈsen.dəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːn.dɪˈsen.dəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable for this rare, formal noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONdescendENCE' as the 'CON-sequence' of someone acting like they are 'DESCENDING' to your level. The CONsequence is a feeling of patronisING behaviour - hence, condescendENCE.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPERIORITY IS UP / INFERIORITY IS DOWN. The person exhibiting condescendence is metaphorically 'looking down' from a higher social or intellectual position.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST accurate definition of 'condescendence' in modern general English?