1
Core action
Behave as though lowering oneself to the level of people considered inferior, often by speaking patronizingly.
Example
The expert explained the method clearly without condescending to readers.
condescend
/ˌkɒndɪˈsend/ · kon-dih-SENDverb
Behave as though lowering oneself to the level of people considered inferior, often by speaking patronizingly.
Use condescend to express this relationship precisely: behave as though lowering oneself to the level of people considered inferior, often by speaking patronizingly.
What condescend Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
She condescended to the interns by praising them for obvious tasks.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The narrator's effort to sound friendly sometimes becomes condescending.
Use condescend Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The expert explained the method clearly without condescending to readers.
She condescended to the interns by praising them for obvious tasks.
The narrator's effort to sound friendly sometimes becomes condescending.
Precision Matters
Condescend overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
condescend
vs.Means behave as though lowering oneself to the level of people considered inferior, often by speaking patronizingly.
conciliate
Means reduce hostility, win goodwill, or restore friendly relations with an angry or opposing person or group.
condescend
vs.Means behave as though lowering oneself to the level of people considered inferior, often by speaking patronizingly.
solicitous
Means showing attentive concern, care, or anxiety for another person's welfare or needs.
condescend
vs.Means behave as though lowering oneself to the level of people considered inferior, often by speaking patronizingly.
venerate
Means regard or treat someone or something with profound respect, reverence, or devotion.
condescend
vs.Means behave as though lowering oneself to the level of people considered inferior, often by speaking patronizingly.
supercilious
Means behaving as though one is superior to others; haughty and disdainful.
Test condescend in Context
The praise is patronizing and implies that the listeners are inferior.
1
By praising experienced engineers for understanding basic arithmetic, the speaker seemed to ___ to them.