condescend

verb

con·​de·​scend ˌkän-di-ˈsend How to pronounce condescend (audio)
condescended; condescending; condescends

intransitive verb

1
: to assume an air of superiority
The writer treats her readers as equals and never condescends to them.
2
a
: to descend to a less formal or dignified level : unbend
would not condescend to respond to such a crass remark
b
: to waive the privileges of rank

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What is the difference between condescending and patronizing?

Very few words in English have exactly the same meaning; even words which appear to be entirely synonymous often will be found to have small differences in certain contexts. The words condescending and patronizing present a fine example of this. At first glance these words appear to be defined somewhat circularly: condescending often has the word "patronizing" in its definition, and patronize is defined, in part, as “to adopt an air of condescension toward.”

But both of these words have specialized senses that lend a shade of meaning to their synonymous senses. Patronizing can mean "giving support to" or "being a customer of," suggesting that the "condescending" sense implies superiority gained through a donor-dependent relationship.

The verb condescend used to be free of any hint of the offensive superiority it usually suggests today. It could mean literally "to go or come down" or, figuratively, "to willingly lower oneself to another’s level," senses that are still occasionally encountered in writings on the Bible. The idea of self-consciously lowering oneself is implied in the "patronizing" sense of condescending.

Examples of condescend in a Sentence

I will not condescend to answer the sore loser's charge that I cheated in order to win the race. wealthy people who tend to be condescending toward their poor relations
Recent Examples on the Web Avoid asking about their next steps or career ambitions, as this can come across as condescending. Tracy Brower, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 His habit of rolling his eyes in mock disbelief struck some as condescending. Ron Elving, NPR, 7 Sep. 2024 Like any good coming-of-age movie, Familiar Touch never condescends. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2024 This portrait of his creative process, directed by Chris Smith, is exceptionally funny, and the joke is often on Borchardt, but the affectionate eye of the camera is never condescending. Eric Farwell and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 17 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for condescend 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'condescend.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of condescend was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near condescend

Cite this Entry

“Condescend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condescend. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

condescend

verb
con·​de·​scend ˌkän-di-ˈsend How to pronounce condescend (audio)
1
: to lower oneself to a level considered less dignified or humbler than one's own
2
: to act in a way that suggests that one considers oneself better than other people
condescendingly
-ˈsen-diŋ-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on condescend

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