Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
talk-down-to
verb
/tɔːk daʊn tuː/
Definition
To speak to someone in a condescending or patronizing manner, suggesting that they are less knowledgeable or capable.
Examples
- She tends to talk down to her younger colleagues, which makes them feel undervalued.
- It’s frustrating when he talks down to me as if I don’t understand the topic.
- Rather than engaging in a discussion, he preferred to talk down to the audience.
Meaning
When someone talks down to another person, they communicate in a way that implies superiority, making the other person feel inferior or diminished.
Synonyms
- patronize
- demean
- belittle
- talk over
