Condescending

Condescending
Condescend Con`de*scend", v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Condescended}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Condescending}.] [F. condescendre, LL. condescendere, fr. L. con- + descendere. See {Descend}.] 1. To stoop or descend; to let one's self down; to submit; to waive the privilege of rank or dignity; to accommodate one's self to an inferior. ``Condescend to men of low estate.'' --Rom. xii. 16. [1913 Webster]

Can they think me so broken, so debased With corporal servitude, that my mind ever Will condescend to such absurd commands? --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Spain's mighty monarch, In gracious clemency, does condescend, On these conditions, to become your friend. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

Note: Often used ironically, implying an assumption of superiority. [1913 Webster]

Those who thought they were honoring me by condescending to address a few words to me. --F. W. Robinson. [1913 Webster]

2. To consent. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

All parties willingly condescended heruento. --R. Carew.

Syn: To yield; stoop; descend; deign; vouchsafe. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • condescending — adj. exhibiting an attitude of superiority; patronizing; used of behavior or attitude. Syn: arch, patronizing. [WordNet 1.5] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • condescending — index disdainful, inflated (vain), orgulous, proud (conceited), supercilious Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burt …   Law dictionary

  • condescending — 1707, prp. adj. from CONDESCEND (Cf. condescend). Originally in a positive sense (of God, the Savior, etc.) until late 18c. Related: Condescendingly (1650s) …   Etymology dictionary

  • condescending — [adj] snobby, lordly arrogant, complaisant, disdainful, egotistic, la dee da*, lofty, patronizing, snobbish, snooty*, snotty*, supercilious, superior, uppish, uppity; concept 401 Ant. approachable, friendly, humble …   New thesaurus

  • condescending — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ feeling or showing a patronizing attitude. DERIVATIVES condescendingly adverb …   English terms dictionary

  • condescending — [kän΄disen′diŋ] adj. showing condescension; esp., patronizing condescendingly adv …   English World dictionary

  • condescending — [[t]kɒ̱ndɪse̱ndɪŋ[/t]] ADJ GRADED (disapproval) If you say that someone is condescending, you are showing your disapproval of the fact that they talk or behave in a way which shows that they think they are superior to other people. I m fed up… …   English dictionary

  • condescending — condescendingly, adv. /kon deuh sen ding/, adj. showing or implying a usually patronizing descent from dignity or superiority: They resented the older neighbors condescending cordiality. [1630 40; CONDESCEND + ING2] Syn. patronizing, disdainful,… …   Universalium

  • condescending — adjective /ˈkɔn.dɪ.sɛnd.ɪŋ,ˈkɔnˌdi.sɛnd.ɪŋ/ Assuming a tone of superiority, or a patronizing attitude. Quit talking to me in that condescending tone! You always treat me like a child – ugh! See Also: condescendence, condescension …   Wiktionary

  • condescending — adj. Condescending is used with these nouns: ↑attitude, ↑manner, ↑tone …   Collocations dictionary

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