World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesCondescend
/ˌkɒn.dɪˈsend/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To show feelings of superiority; to be patronizing or behave in a way that implies one is considering oneself better than others.
"I hate the way he talks to his colleagues as if he is trying to condescend to them." - 2
To do something in a gracious manner that is considered below one's dignity or status.
"She finally condescended to answer our questions after ignoring us for an hour."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'condescendere', combining 'com-' (together) and 'descendere' (to descend, from 'de-' down + 'scandere' to climb). Entering Middle English in the 15th century, it originally meant to agree or to yield courteously, but by the 16th century shifted toward its modern implication of descending from one's superior rank or dignity to treat an inferior with courtesy.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Condescend"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Condescend" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
daigner
Transliteration: /de.ɡne/
"Il a enfin daigné nous répondre."
herablassend sein
Transliteration: /heˈʁapˌlasn̩ zaɪ̯n/
"Er sprach mit einer herablassenden Art zu ihnen."
condiscendere
Transliteration: /kon.diˈʃɛn.de.re/
"Non devi condiscendere con chi ti tratta male."
condescender
Transliteration: /kon.de.senˈdeɾ/
"No debemos condescender ante actitudes arrogantes."
condescender
Transliteration: /kõ.de.sẽˈdeɾ/
"Ele tende a condescender com os subordinados."
कृpaपूर्वक झुकना
Transliteration: kripapurvak jhukna
Script: कृपापूर्वक झुकना
"उसने नीचा दिखाने वाले अंदाज़ में बात की।"
屈尊
Transliteration: qūzūn
"他太高傲了，不肯屈尊向别人道歉。"
Süfdehada
Transliteration: oan-haseuda
Script: 오만하다
"그는 남을 무시하는 태도를 보인다."
見下す
Transliteration: mikudasu
"彼は他人を見下すような態度をとる。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA visitor or attendee whose arrival was not anticipated or announced beforehand.
Causing strong emotional or ideological reactions because it relates to political issues, power dynamics, or government policies.
Deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss; the state of being saved.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Condescend"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
How Many Chapters Are in 'The Book Thief'?
Markus Zusak’s *The Book Thief* contains 80 main chapters divided across 10 main parts, framed by a Prologue and an Epilogue. Counting the sub-sections in the prologue and epilogue, the novel comprises 88 total titled sections.