verb

condescend

kon-dih-SEHND

verb

To treat someone as though they are inferior; to talk down to them.

"He always condescends to junior staff instead of explaining things properly."

"She hated the way he condescended to her in meetings."

To do something considered beneath one's status, often reluctantly.

"The celebrity finally condescended to answer a few questions from fans."

How to Use Condescend

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo act superior toward someone, or to lower yourself to do something you consider beneath you.

Common mistake

Almost always used negatively today, describing patronising behaviour rather than a neutral "coming down."

Common pairings

condescend to someone condescending tone

Word Forms

condescended past tense, condescend plural, condescended plural, condescends singular, condescend singular, condescended singular, condescendest singular, condescendedst singular, condescendeth singular

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He always _____ to junior staff instead of explaining things properly.

Etymology

From Old French condescendre, from Late Latin condescendere ("to stoop down"), from con- plus descendere ("to descend").

Rhymes for condescend

descend

See all rhymes for condescend →