condescend
to behave as if one is conscious of descending from a superior position, rank, or dignity.
to stoop or deign to do something: He would not condescend to misrepresent the facts.
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.
Obsolete.
to yield.
to assent.
Origin of condescend
1Other words from condescend
- con·des·cend·er, con·des·cend·ent, noun
Words Nearby condescend
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use condescend in a sentence
She gave him the what-for pretty regularly and he would give her that condescending dad eye.
Steward says what persuaded him to get the shot was clear facts presented in a way that wasn’t condescending.
European leaders even more obviously condescend to him and Angela Merkel is not longer holding back about settlements.
"I wouldn't condescend to be mean, Laura," put in Lady Margaret, whilst the dowager fanned her hot face.
Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry Wood“If you will condescend to explain the frying-pan I may perhaps relieve you from the fire,” said Selby with emphasis.
Hunted and Harried | R.M. Ballantyne
It will be quite all right for you to offer me a cup of tea, if your kitchen mechanic will condescend.
The Hidden Places | Bertrand W. SinclairIt went perforce to the ragman, if he would condescend to accept it.
South American Fights and Fighters | Cyrus Townsend BradyThey might condescend to drop me a courtesy, and then—anarchy, as before.
My New Curate | P.A. Sheehan
British Dictionary definitions for condescend
/ (ˌkɒndɪˈsɛnd) /
to act graciously towards another or others regarded as being on a lower level; behave patronizingly
to do something that one regards as below one's dignity
Origin of condescend
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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