
Elizabeth B. answered 08/11/19
Tutor for English Language Arts
In this context, the word "condescension" means to lower oneself in (social) stature to speak to someone generally considered inferior. Lady Catherine is, in the modern sense, condescending, and Austen fully means it as a way to refer to her as she clearly believes herself above others. Mr. Collins is a comedic character who buys into her idea that she is above others, too, and so regards her highly despite her being an unpleasant woman. To Austen, Lady Catherine is arrogant, but clearly Mr. Collins sees her as gracious, because she is willing to interact with people of lower social standing.