First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
condescend
verb con·de·scend \ˌkän-di-ˈsend\
: to show that you believe you are more intelligent or better than other people
: to do something that you usually do not do because you believe you are too important to do it
Full Definition of CONDESCEND
intransitive verb
1
a : to descend to a less formal or dignified level : unbend b : to waive the privileges of rank
2
: to assume an air of superiority
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Origin of CONDESCEND
Middle English, from Anglo-French condescendre, from Late Latin condescendere, from Latin com- + descendere to descend
Rhymes with CONDESCEND
CONDESCEND Defined for Kids
condescend
verb con·de·scend \ˌkän-di-ˈsend\
con·de·scend·edcon·de·scend·ing
Definition of CONDESCEND for Kids
1
: to stoop to the level of someone considered less important <These two great commanders did not condescend to fight in person … — Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer>
2
: to grant favors with a show of being better than others <She only condescended to speak to me because she needed something.>
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