condescend

con·de·scend

verb \ˌkän-di-ˈsend\

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

Examples of CONDESCEND

1. <I will not condescend to answer the sore loser's charge that I cheated in order to win the race.>
2. <wealthy people who tend to be condescending toward their poor relations>

Origin of CONDESCEND

Middle English, from Anglo-French condescendre, from Late Latin condescendere, from Latin com- + descendere to descend

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CONDESCEND

Synonyms: deign, stoop

Related Words: abase, debase, degrade, demean, discredit, disgrace, dishonor, humble, humiliate, lower, shame

Near Antonyms: rise

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with CONDESCEND

apprehend, bitter end, business end, comprehend, discommend, dividend, in the end, minuend, on the mend, open-end, overspend, recommend, repetend, reprehend, subtrahend, vilipend