verb
condescend
kahn-dih-SEND/ˌkɑːndɪˈsend/
To act toward others from a presumed superior position.
The manager condescends to his colleague while explaining a simple task.
Etymology
The image of climbing down became willingly meeting people of lower rank as equals. Once often positive, the word became negative when that equality was merely a show that advertised one's supposed superiority.
In context
“These cattle”—she did not condescend to look at them—“are thine for so long as thou shalt need.”
More examples
- She explains unfamiliar terms without condescending to her audience.
- He finally condescended to answer our perfectly reasonable question.
- You condescend to me as though I know nothing.
Forms
condescend · condescends · condescended · condescending
condescension noun — Behavior that shows an assumed superiority.
condescending adjective — Showing that one considers others inferior.
Similar words
- patronize
- Often suggests a falsely kind or helpful superior manner.
- stoop
- Emphasizes doing something viewed as beneath one's dignity.