How Do You Spell CONDESCEND?

Pronunciation: [kˌɒndɪsˈɛnd] (IPA)

The word "condescend" is spelled with 3 syllables - /kɒndɪˈsɛnd/. The "con" at the beginning of the word is pronounced with the short "o" sound, while the "e" in the second syllable is silent. The third syllable ends with the "d" sound, indicating that the word is in the past tense. To "condescend" means to behave in a superior manner towards someone, often with a sense of arrogance or condescension.

CONDESCEND Meaning and Definition

  1. To condescend means to display an attitude of superiority or patronizing behavior towards others, often by voluntarily lowering oneself to their level, to accommodate them or show mercy. This verb typically implies an air of arrogance or a feeling of superiority by an individual who considers themselves more knowledgeable, skilled, or important than others.

    The word condescend originated from the Latin word "condescendere," which means "to come down or descend." This suggests the act of figuratively descending from a higher level or position to engage with or address those perceived to be inferior. Condescension may manifest in various ways, such as using simpler language while speaking, explaining something obvious or trivial to someone, or assuming a position of authority in an overly indulgent manner.

    When one condescends, they often disregard the equal intelligence or capability of the other person, creating a power imbalance in the interaction. This behavior can be seen as demeaning, disrespectful, or belittling towards others. However, in certain contexts, it is used to describe a benevolent action or an act of kindness, indicating that someone is willingly lowering themselves in order to assist or accommodate those in need, without showing arrogance or patronization.

    In summary, condescension typically refers to an act of displaying arrogance or patronizing behavior towards others, often accompanied by a feeling of superiority. It involves voluntarily lowering oneself to someone else's level, whether to accommodate, show mercy, or assert authority, sometimes acting disrespectfully or belittling to those considered less knowledgeable or inferior.

  2. To do some act of courtesy or kindness to an inferior as if an equal; to stoop or descend; to submit; to yield.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CONDESCEND *

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Other Common Misspellings for CONDESCEND

Etymology of CONDESCEND

The word "condescend" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin prefix "con-" meaning "with" or "together", and the verb "descendere", which means "to descend". In Latin, "descendere" referred to physically moving downward, but the word took on a metaphorical sense in Late Latin, conveying the idea of voluntarily lowering oneself, descending in rank or stature for the sake of politeness or humility. This sense of voluntarily stooping to a lower level or treating others as inferior carried over into English, giving us the word "condescend" with its modern meaning of behaving in a patronizing or superior manner.

Idioms with the word CONDESCEND

  • condescend to do sth To "condescend to do something" means to do something that one considers to be beneath their dignity, status, or intelligence. It implies an attitude of looking down on others or considering oneself superior.
  • condescend to sm To "condescend to someone" means to behave in a way that shows a feeling of superiority or to patronize them. It refers to someone displaying a sense of arrogance or looking down upon another person, often because they believe they are of a higher rank, status, or intelligence.
  • condescend to The idiom "condescend to" refers to the act of behaving in a superior or patronizing manner towards someone perceived as less important or knowledgeable. It implies looking down on or belittling others.
  • condescend to (do something) The idiom "condescend to (do something)" refers to the act of reluctantly agreeing to do something that one considers beneath their level of importance or dignity. It implies that the person believes they are superior and is making a slight condescension or patronizing gesture by agreeing to the task.
  • condescend to someone The idiom "condescend to someone" means to behave in a superior or patronizing manner towards someone perceived as inferior, and to treat them with a sense of superiority or lack of genuine respect. It involves talking down to or belittling someone, often due to a feeling of superiority in terms of social class, intelligence, or knowledge.
  • condescend to do The idiom "condescend to do" means to reluctantly or patronizingly agree to do something that one considers beneath their dignity or to lower oneself to perform a task that is seen as beneath one's station or capabilities. It implies that the person doing the task considers themselves superior to the task or the person asking them to do it.

Similar spelling words for CONDESCEND

Conjugate verb Condescend

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have condescended
you would have condescended
he/she/it would have condescended
we would have condescended
they would have condescended
I would have condescend
you would have condescend
he/she/it would have condescend
we would have condescend
they would have condescend

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been condescending
you would have been condescending
he/she/it would have been condescending
we would have been condescending
they would have been condescending

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would condescend
you would condescend
he/she/it would condescend
we would condescend
they would condescend

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be condescending
you would be condescending
he/she/it would be condescending
we would be condescending
they would be condescending

FUTURE

I will condescend
you will condescend
he/she/it will condescend
we will condescend
they will condescend

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be condescending
you will be condescending
he/she/it will be condescending
we will be condescending
they will be condescending

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have condescended
you will have condescended
he/she/it will have condescended
we will have condescended
they will have condescended

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been condescending
you will have been condescending
he/she/it will have been condescending
we will have been condescending
they will have been condescending

IMPERATIVE

you condescend
we let´s condescend

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to condescend

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was condescending
you were condescending
he/she/it was condescending
we were condescending
they were condescending

PAST PARTICIPLE

condescended

PAST PERFECT

I had condescended
you had condescended
he/she/it had condescended
we had condescended
they had condescended

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been condescending
you had been condescending
he/she/it had been condescending
we had been condescending
they had been condescending

PRESENT

I condescend
you condescend
he/she/it condescends
we condescend
they condescend

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am condescending
you are condescending
he/she/it is condescending
we are condescending
they are condescending

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

condescending

PRESENT PERFECT

I have condescended
you have condescended
he/she/it has condescended
we have condescended
they have condescended

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been condescending
you have been condescending
he/she/it has been condescending
we have been condescending
they have been condescending

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it condescend

SIMPLE PAST

I condescended
you condescended
he/she/it condescended
we condescended
they condescended

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