Look Down On – Meaning and Examples

Sometimes people act like they are better than others. They might think certain jobs, hobbies, or people are not good enough. In English, we say these people look down on others. This idiom helps describe feelings of superiority in social situations.

What Does “To Look Down On” Mean?

“To look down on” means to think you are better than someone else, or to consider someone or something as inferior. Think of it like a person on a high mountain looking down at people in the valley below. It is not about physical height. It is about an attitude of superiority.

When to Use It

You can use this idiom when someone treats service workers poorly. Use it when people judge others for their choices in life. Use it in discussions about social class or education levels. It is a neutral phrase that describes a negative behavior.

Example Sentences

• She looks down on people who didn’t go to college.
• Don’t look down on manual labor—it’s honest work.
• He looks down on anyone who doesn’t share his tastes in music.
• I feel like my wealthy relatives look down on our simple lifestyle.

Mini Dialogue

Emma: “Why don’t you like talking to Mark?”

James: “He always looks down on my job as a delivery driver. It makes me uncomfortable.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Remember, this idiom is about attitude and judgment. It is not about physically looking downward.

❌ Don’t say: “I had to look down on the floor to find my keys.” (Use “look at” instead).
✅ Do say: “It’s not right to look down on people because of their background.”

Final Note

You now understand how to use “to look down on” when describing attitudes of superiority. This phrase helps you talk about social dynamics and personal relationships more accurately. Use it carefully, as it describes negative behavior, and you’ll communicate this concept perfectly in English!