condescend

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˌkɒndɪˈsɛnd/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˌkɑːndɪˈsɛnd/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form condescend

Third-person singular condescends

Past tense condescended

Past participle condescended

Present participle condescending

(intransitive)

1. To condescend is to come down from a better place.
   • Synonyms: deign and stoop
2. To condescend is to treat someone like they are lesser than themselves; to talk down to them.
   • Synonyms: patronize and patronise
3. (old, no longer used) To condescend is to agree or consent.
4. (old, no longer used) To condescend is to come down.

Related words

• condescending
• condescendence
• condescension