look down on
Consider someone as inferior
Literally: to direct your eyes downward upon someone
In 15 Seconds
- Thinking you are superior to someone else.
- Always used with the preposition 'on' before the object.
- Describes an arrogant or judgmental attitude toward others.
Meaning
To look down on someone means you think you are better, smarter, or more important than they are. It is like seeing someone from a high place and thinking they are small or insignificant.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a snobby relative
My aunt looks down on anyone who doesn't have a college degree.
My aunt looks down on anyone who doesn't have a college degree.
Discussing office dynamics
The senior partners shouldn't look down on the interns.
The senior partners shouldn't look down on the interns.
Texting a friend about a bad date
He totally looked down on me because I ordered a burger instead of steak!
He totally looked down on me because I ordered a burger instead of steak!
Cultural Background
In the UK, 'looking down on' someone is often linked to the class system. Subtle cues like your accent (e.g., Received Pronunciation vs. a regional accent) or where you buy your groceries can lead to people feeling looked down on. In the US, the phrase is frequently used in the context of 'educational elitism.' People with degrees from prestigious universities are sometimes accused of looking down on those with vocational training or degrees from less famous schools. Australia has a strong culture of 'egalitarianism.' There is a social rule against 'looking down on' others. If someone acts superior, they are often labeled as 'up themselves' and socially rejected. In Japan, social hierarchy is very important, but 'looking down on' others (miudosu) is considered very rude and a sign of poor character. Respect (keigo) is the standard, even when dealing with people of lower social rank.
The 'Above' Rule
If you can replace the situation with 'I am above this person,' then 'look down on' is the right phrase to use.
Don't Separate!
Never put a name or pronoun between the words. It's always 'look down on [someone].'
In 15 Seconds
- Thinking you are superior to someone else.
- Always used with the preposition 'on' before the object.
- Describes an arrogant or judgmental attitude toward others.
What It Means
Imagine standing on a balcony. You see people below you as tiny dots. That is the feeling behind look down on. It is not about height, though. It is about your ego. When you look down on someone, you feel superior. You might think they have less money. You might think they are less educated. It is a feeling of 'I am up here, and you are down there.' It is never a compliment. It describes an attitude of arrogance.
How To Use It
This is a phrasal verb. It always needs the word on before the person or group. You say, 'He looks down on me.' You do not say, 'He looks down me.' It is very flexible with tenses. You can say someone is looking down on you right now. Or maybe they have always looked down on your neighborhood. It is a great way to describe a 'snobby' person. Use it when you feel judged by someone else's pride.
When To Use It
Use this when talking about social classes. It fits perfectly when discussing office politics. If a boss treats a janitor poorly, he looks down on him. Use it when friends are being judgmental. If your friend hates your cheap shoes, they are looking down on your style. It is common in movies and books. It helps describe the 'villain' who thinks they are royalty. You can also use it for groups, like 'rich cities looking down on small towns.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for physical actions. If you are literally looking at your feet, do not say 'I am looking down on my shoes.' That sounds like you think your shoes are socially inferior to you! Also, avoid using it if you just disagree with someone. It is much stronger than a disagreement. It is about worth. If you just think someone is wrong, use disagree. Only use look down on if there is a feeling of 'I am better than you.'
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, equality is a big deal. People generally dislike those who look down on others. It is often linked to the 'class system' in the UK. In the US, it is often about 'new money' versus 'old money.' There is a famous comedy trope of the 'snobby neighbor.' This neighbor always looks down on the main character's messy garden or old car. It is a way to highlight social tension.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more formal, use despise or disdain. If you want to be more casual, you can say someone is acting high and mighty. Another common one is turning up their nose. This is a funny visual. It means the same thing. You can also say someone thinks they are above a certain task. For example, 'He thinks he is above washing dishes.' All these phrases describe that same 'balcony' feeling of superiority.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral in formality and can be used in almost any setting. Just be careful with the preposition 'on' to ensure you are conveying the social meaning rather than a physical one.
The 'Above' Rule
If you can replace the situation with 'I am above this person,' then 'look down on' is the right phrase to use.
Don't Separate!
Never put a name or pronoun between the words. It's always 'look down on [someone].'
Use 'Upon' for Drama
If you are writing a story or a very formal speech, use 'look down upon' to sound more sophisticated and serious.
Examples
6My aunt looks down on anyone who doesn't have a college degree.
My aunt looks down on anyone who doesn't have a college degree.
Shows a judgmental attitude based on education.
The senior partners shouldn't look down on the interns.
The senior partners shouldn't look down on the interns.
Used to describe professional hierarchy and respect.
He totally looked down on me because I ordered a burger instead of steak!
He totally looked down on me because I ordered a burger instead of steak!
Expressing annoyance at someone's pretentiousness.
I'm pretty sure my cat looks down on me for my poor hunting skills.
I'm pretty sure my cat looks down on me for my poor hunting skills.
A funny way to use the phrase for an animal's 'attitude'.
Society often looks down on people who are struggling with poverty.
Society often looks down on people who are struggling with poverty.
Addressing systemic social prejudice.
I used to look down on pop music, but now I realize it's actually quite clever.
I used to look down on pop music, but now I realize it's actually quite clever.
Admitting to past arrogance or narrow-mindedness.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the phrasal verb.
It's not nice to look _______ _______ people just because they have a different accent.
'Look down on' is the correct phrase for feeling superior to others.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Select the correct sentence:
The phrasal verb 'look down on' is inseparable, so the object must come at the end.
Match the situation to the correct feeling.
If a billionaire treats a waiter like he is invisible, the billionaire is...
Treating someone as inferior is 'looking down on' them.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
A: Why are you so upset? B: I'm tired of being _______ _______ _______ by the senior staff just because I'm an intern.
The passive form 'being looked down on' is needed here to describe how the speaker is treated.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Look Down On vs. Look Up To
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIt's not nice to look _______ _______ people just because they have a different accent.
'Look down on' is the correct phrase for feeling superior to others.
Select the correct sentence:
The phrasal verb 'look down on' is inseparable, so the object must come at the end.
If a billionaire treats a waiter like he is invisible, the billionaire is...
Treating someone as inferior is 'looking down on' them.
A: Why are you so upset? B: I'm tired of being _______ _______ _______ by the senior staff just because I'm an intern.
The passive form 'being looked down on' is needed here to describe how the speaker is treated.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it almost always implies arrogance or an unfair judgment. It is not a positive thing to do.
Yes, you can look down on things like 'cheap clothes' or 'bad movies,' meaning you think they are beneath your standards.
'Despise' is much stronger and means you hate or strongly dislike someone. 'Look down on' is specifically about feeling superior.
Yes, 'He hates being looked down on' is very common and natural.
Yes, if you are describing a past challenge or a social dynamic you observed, it is perfectly professional.
In English phrasal verbs, 'on' often suggests a continuous state or attitude, while 'at' suggests a single physical action.
No, both are correct. 'On' is more common in modern speech; 'upon' is more formal.
Yes, you can look down on an action or behavior if you think it is morally inferior to your own.
No, it is a standard English phrasal verb used in all levels of society.
Linguistically, you might say: 'Please don't talk down to me' or 'I don't appreciate your condescending attitude.'
Related Phrases
look up to
contrastTo admire and respect someone.
talk down to
similarTo speak to someone as if they are less intelligent than you.
turn up one's nose at
similarTo reject something because you think it is not good enough for you.
condescend to
specialized formTo do something in a way that shows you think you are better than others.
