Condescend: meaning, definitions and examples
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condescend
[ ˌkɒndɪˈsend ]
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.
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
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
Word origin
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.