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Condescending vs Contemptuous - What's the difference?

condescending | contemptuous |

As adjectives the difference between condescending and contemptuous

is that condescending is assuming a tone of superiority, or a patronizing attitude while contemptuous is showing contempt; expressing disdain; showing a lack of respect.

As a verb condescending

is present participle of lang=en.

condescending

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Assuming a tone of superiority, or a patronizing attitude.
    • Quit talking to me in that condescending tone! You always treat me like a child – ugh!

    Synonyms

    * (assuming a tone of superiority) (l)

    Derived terms

    * condescendingly

    Related terms

    * condescendence * condescension

    Verb

    (head)

    • contemptuous

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Showing contempt; expressing disdain; showing a lack of respect.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1922, author=(Ben Travers)
    • , chapter=5, title= A Cuckoo in the Nest , passage=The most rapid and most seductive transition in all human nature is that which attends the palliation of a ravenous appetite.

    Derived terms

    * contemptuously

    Related terms

    * contempt