La condescendencia es, en buen sentido, el deseo de complacer, dar gusto y acomodarse a la voluntad del otro.[1]​ Sin embargo, en sentido negativo se usa el término para referirse a una amabilidad forzada que nace del sentimiento de superioridad hacia otra persona.

Condescension or Condescendence is a form of incivility wherein the speaker displays an attitude of patronizing superiority or contempt. Condescension "is associated with a patronizing attitude, and with other negative words such as divisive, heartless, arrogant, high-handed, [and] dictatorial".

(used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension