different between condescending vs imperious

English

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?k?n.d?.s?nd.??/, /?k?n?di.s?nd.??/
• (US) IPA^(key): /?k?nd??s?nd??/

Adjective

condescending (comparative more condescending, superlative most condescending)

1. Assuming a tone of superiority, or a patronizing attitude.

Synonyms

• (assuming a tone of superiority): patronizing

Derived terms

• condescendingly

Related terms

• condescendence
• condescension

Translations

Verb

condescending

1. present participle of condescend

English

Etymology

From Latin imperi?sus (“mighty, powerful”), from imperium (“command, authority, power”)

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?m?p???i.?s/
• (US) IPA^(key): /?m?p??i.?s/
• Rhymes: -??ri?s

Adjective

imperious (not comparable)

1. Domineering, arrogant, or overbearing.
   • 1866 – Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Gambler, translated by C. J. Hogarth

     ...she glanced about her in an imperious, challenging sort of way, with looks and gestures that clearly were unstudied.

2. Urgent.
   • 1891 – Ambrose Bierce, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

     Circumstances of an imperious nature, which it is unnecessary to relate here, had prevented him from taking service with that gallant army which had fought the disastrous campaigns ending with the fall of Corinth.

3. (obsolete) Imperial or regal.
   • 1899 – Stephen Crane, The Angel Child, Whilomville Stories

     She was quick, beautiful, imperious, while he was quiet, slow, and misty.

Synonyms

• (domineering): authoritarian, bossy, dictatorial, domineering, overbearing

Related terms

Translations