talks down

Speaks with condescension

Talks down has two main directions.

To talk down to someone is to speak condescendingly, as if they were inferior or less intelligent: Don't talk down to me—I understand the situation.

To talk something down is to diminish its value or importance through criticism: Critics talked down the film before it even opened.

In aviation, to talk down a pilot is to guide them through landing via radio instructions, especially in emergencies.

Related

dismisses · cuts off · silences · disrespects · lectures · undermines · marginalizes · preaches · pontificates · manipulates · invalidates · discourages · scolds · oppresses · controls · intimidates · reprimands · frustrates

Categories
Opposites
respect and tone in communication

talks downtalks up

Promotes through praise

levels with · honors · esteems · values · acknowledges

effect on listener's status/confidence

talks downbuilds up

Accumulates gradually

encourages · empowers · praises · affirms · elevates

persuasion in crisis situations

talks downtalks into

incites · eggs on · talks up · agitates · riles up

Family

talk, talks, talked, talking, talker, talkers, down, downer, downers

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G