condescend
verb (used without object)
to behave as if one is conscious of descending from a superior position, rank, or dignity.
were condescending
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past progressiveof condescend.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"It's a complete reversal of the situation: for a long time, Europeans were condescending toward Chinese manufacturers, seen as mere imitators."
From Barron's ● Apr. 22, 2026
A popular film blog, “Du Sir,” said that the altered plots in the “Minions” movie, which runs a minute longer in Chinese theaters, and other films were condescending to Chinese audiences.
From New York Times ● Aug. 23, 2022
Alexey Sergeitch had a little nasal, piping voice, and an invariable smile—kindly, but, as it were, condescending, and not without a certain self-complacent dignity.
From A Desperate Character and Other Stories by Constance Garnett
The officers were coming part way out of their overbearing, haughty seclusion, and were condescending to talk with the lower orders so as to revive their courage.
From The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by Charlotte Brewster Jordan
"I ain't had so wide an experience as you," replied Sarah, as if she were condescending to an acknowledged lapse in virtue.
From The Miller Of Old Church by Ellen Anderson Gholson Glasgow
