To speak to someone as though they are less intelligent or important than you, in a condescending way.
To speak to someone as if they are stupid or less important than you.
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
To speak to someone in a condescending way, as though they are less intelligent or capable than you.
"I stopped going to that doctor because he constantly talked down to me instead of explaining things properly."
Always negative. The phrase captures a specific social dynamic where the speaker assumes intellectual or social superiority. Very commonly used as a complaint about someone's behavior: 'I hate the way he talks down to us.' Common in all English varieties.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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