Condescend: meaning, definitions and examples

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condescend

 

[ ˌkɒndɪˈsend ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

to show feelings of superiority

To condescend means to show feelings of superiority; to act in a way that suggests you are lowering yourself to the level of those considered inferior. It often involves speaking or behaving in a way that is patronizing or belittling towards others.

Synonyms

look down on, patronize, talk down to

Examples of usage

  • He would often condescend to speak to the staff as if they were children.
  • She refused to condescend to his level of pettiness.
Context #2 | Verb

to agree to do something that you believe to be beneath your dignity

Another meaning of condescend is to agree to do something that you believe to be beneath your dignity or status. It can involve doing something that you consider to be below your usual standards or expectations.

Synonyms

deign, lower oneself, stoop

Examples of usage

  • She condescended to attend the meeting even though she felt it was a waste of time.
  • He finally condescended to help with the housework.

Translations

Translations of the word "condescend" in other languages:

🇵🇹 condescender

🇮🇳 संजीवनी देना

🇩🇪 herablassen

🇮🇩 merendahkan

🇺🇦 знижуватися

🇵🇱 zniżać się

🇯🇵 恩着せがましい

🇫🇷 condescendre

🇪🇸 condescender

🇹🇷 küçümsemek

🇰🇷 거들먹거리다

🇸🇦 يتنازل

🇨🇿 shovívavý

🇸🇰 zostúpiť

🇨🇳 屈尊

🇸🇮 spustiti se

🇮🇸 lítillækkandi

🇰🇿 төмендету

🇬🇪 დამცირება

🇦🇿 aşağı endirmək

🇲🇽 conceder

Etymology

The word 'condescend' originated from the Latin word 'condescendere', which is a combination of 'con-' (together) and 'descendere' (to descend). It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the meaning 'to yield or submit oneself to the wishes or opinion of another'. Over time, it developed additional connotations related to showing superiority or agreeing to do something considered beneath one's dignity.

See also: condescendingly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,358, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.