condescend

[ kon-duh-send ]

verb (used without object)

1. to behave as if one is conscious of descending from a superior position, rank, or dignity.
2. to stoop or deign to do something:

   He would not condescend to misrepresent the facts.

3. to put aside one's dignity or superiority voluntarily and assume equality with one regarded as inferior:

   He condescended to their intellectual level in order to be understood.

4. Obsolete.
   1. to yield.
   2. to assent.

condescend

/ ˌkɒndɪˈsɛnd /

verb

1. to act graciously towards another or others regarded as being on a lower level; behave patronizingly
2. to do something that one regards as below one's dignity

Other Words From

• condes·cender condes·cendent noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of condescend¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English condescenden, from Late Latin condēscendere ( con-, descend ); replacing Middle English condescendre, from Middle French

Word History and Origins

Origin of condescend¹

C14: from Church Latin condēscendere to stoop, condescend, from Latin dēscendere to descend

Example Sentences

European leaders even more obviously condescend to him and Angela Merkel is not longer holding back about settlements.

From The Daily Beast

"I wouldn't condescend to be mean, Laura," put in Lady Margaret, whilst the dowager fanned her hot face.

From Project Gutenberg

“If you will condescend to explain the frying-pan I may perhaps relieve you from the fire,” said Selby with emphasis.

From Project Gutenberg

It will be quite all right for you to offer me a cup of tea, if your kitchen mechanic will condescend.

From Project Gutenberg

It went perforce to the ragman, if he would condescend to accept it.

From Project Gutenberg

They might condescend to drop me a courtesy, and then—anarchy, as before.

From Project Gutenberg