verb
condescend
kon-dih-SEHND
Condescend (verb) means to treat someone as though they are inferior; to talk down to them. Example: “He always condescends to junior staff instead of explaining things properly.”
verb
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- condescends
- Past tense
- condescended
- Archaic forms
- condescendest, condescendedst, condescendeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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").
Related words
Rhymes for condescend
See all rhymes for condescend →Frequently asked questions
What does “condescend” mean?
The word “condescend” means to treat someone as though they are inferior; to talk down to them. In plain terms, to act superior toward someone, or to lower yourself to do something you consider beneath you.
How do you pronounce “condescend”?
“Condescend” is pronounced kon-dih-SEHND (/ˌkɑndəˈsɛnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “condescend” in a sentence?
Here is “condescend” used in a sentence: “He always condescends to junior staff instead of explaining things properly.”
What part of speech is “condescend”?
“Condescend” is a verb.
Where does the word “condescend” come from?
The word “condescend” comes from Late Latin. From Old French condescendre, from Late Latin condescendere ("to stoop down"), from con- plus descendere ("to descend").
How many meanings does “condescend” have?
“Condescend” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to treat someone as though they are inferior; to talk down to them.
