The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

condescend

IPA:

Dictionary definition of condescend

To behave in a patronizing or superior manner towards others, often accompanied by a sense of superiority or arrogance.
"It's important for experienced team members not to condescend to new recruits."

Detailed meaning of condescend

When someone condescends, they adopt an attitude of looking down upon others, belittling or underestimating them due to a perceived difference in social status, intelligence, or competence. This behavior is marked by a condescending tone, gestures, or expressions, aimed at asserting dominance or control over those considered inferior. Condescension can be displayed through acts of excessive explanation, speaking down to others, or using language that implies a sense of pity or indulgence towards the recipient. It is a behavior that disregards the importance of mutual respect and equality, and instead promotes a hierarchical and demeaning dynamic in interpersonal interactions.

Example sentences containing condescend

1. The celebrity chef tends to condescend when explaining basic cooking techniques.
2. He'll condescend to the newcomers with a tone that makes them feel inferior.
3. She often condescends with such an air of superiority that her peers do not enjoy working with her.
4. I wish he wouldn't condescend to the children, as they are quite intelligent for their age.
5. Even though she's an expert in her field, it's unnecessary for her to condescend to those who are still learning.
6. The manager will often condescend to the junior employees, making them feel undervalued.

History and etymology of condescend

The verb 'condescend' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'descendere' meaning 'to descend' or 'to go down.' This etymology suggests the idea of coming down from a higher position or status to be on the same level as others. Over time, the term 'condescend' has taken on a negative connotation, as it implies behaving in a patronizing or superior manner towards others, often with a sense of superiority or arrogance. This usage reflects the notion of figuratively 'descending' from a perceived higher position to interact with others in a way that is perceived as demeaning or condescending. Thus, the term 'condescend' maintains its etymological connection to the act of looking down upon others or assuming an air of superiority.

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Further usage examples of condescend

1. When I offered my opinion, she chose to condescend rather than consider my perspective.
2. The actor used to be humble, but fame made him condescend to everyone around him.
3. The wealthy investor condescends to those who are not as financially successful as him.
4. When I asked the author for writing advice, I didn't expect him to condescend to me.
5. If you condescend to your audience, they're likely to lose respect for you.
6. He sometimes condescends to his younger siblings, making them feel silly for not knowing as much as he does.
7. The professor will condescend to any student who doesn’t meet his high expectations.
8. It is disheartening to watch an adult condescend to a child who is just beginning to explore their interests.
9. The supervisor should create a welcoming environment rather than condescend to new hires.
10. The fashionista tends to condescend to those who don't follow the latest trends.
11. The renowned scientist must learn not to condescend to his peers just because they do not have as many accolades.
12. He tries to sound helpful, but the way he condescends makes his advice feel insincere.
13. She will condescend to anyone who doesn’t share her taste in literature.
14. She'd never condescend to join us; we're not elite enough for her tastes.
15. I don’t need you to condescend to me; I am fully aware of my abilities.
16. He wouldn't condescend to address their concerns, deeming them trivial.
17. They won’t condescend to debate; they think they’re above such things.
18. She wouldn’t condescend to read it, claiming it was below her level.
19. To condescend to others is his way, always asserting his dominance.
20. Even in distress, he didn’t condescend to seek help from anyone.
21. She would not condescend to explain; she assumed everyone knew.
22. I wish he wouldn’t condescend to us; it’s unbecoming and rude.
23. To condescend is her nature, always belittling those around her.
24. They'd never condescend to learn, assuming they know it all.