condescend: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, literary
Quick answer
What does “condescend” mean?
To behave as if one is superior to others.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To behave as if one is superior to others; to show feelings of superiority in attitude or action.
To do something that one considers beneath one's dignity or status, often with an air of patronizing superiority. Can also mean to lower oneself temporarily to the level of one's inferiors.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage patterns and connotations are largely identical. The word is equally formal and negative in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly negative in both, implying arrogance and social snobbery. The derived adjective 'condescending' is more common in everyday speech.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in formal/written registers, reflecting historical class-conscious discourse. In American English, it is equally understood but may be perceived as a more 'literary' criticism.
Grammar
How to Use “condescend” in a Sentence
[Subject] condescend(s) to [infinitive verb phrase][Subject] condescend(s) to [person/group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “condescend” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The professor would never condescend to mark undergraduate essays himself.
- She felt he was condescending to the entire committee with his simplistic explanation.
American English
- The CEO didn't condescend to answer the intern's question directly.
- I hate it when tourists condescend to local guides.
adverb
British English
- He spoke condescendingly about their efforts.
- She nodded condescendingly as I explained my idea.
American English
- The manager explained the task condescendingly, as if we were children.
- He smiled condescendingly at my suggestion.
adjective
British English
- His condescending tone was evident throughout the meeting.
- She gave a condescending smile to the new recruit.
American English
- That was a condescending remark about my hometown.
- He has a condescending attitude toward anyone without a graduate degree.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to criticise managerial or leadership styles perceived as arrogant or dismissive of subordinates.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, sociology, or history to analyse characters, social attitudes, or patronizing discourse.
Everyday
Rarely used as a verb in casual conversation. The adjective 'condescending' is far more common for describing people's attitudes.
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields except in meta-discussions about communication or power dynamics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “condescend”
- Using it to mean 'to agree reluctantly' (e.g., 'He finally condescended to our plan') – this is an incorrect extension of the core meaning.
- Using it in a positive sense is now considered archaic and will confuse listeners.
- Misspelling as 'condesend' or 'condesend'.
- Incorrect preposition: using 'for' instead of 'to' (e.g., 'He condescended for helping us').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes (meaning 'to be graciously willing'), but this usage is now archaic. In modern English, it is exclusively negative, implying patronizing superiority.
They are very close synonyms. 'Condescend' focuses more on the attitude and act of lowering oneself. 'Patronize' often implies accompanying actions (like buying from or supporting) done with a condescending attitude. In modern usage, 'patronize' is more common in everyday speech.
Yes, significantly. It is far more frequent to describe someone as 'being condescending' than to say they 'condescend' to do something.
The primary noun is 'condescension'. It refers to the behaviour or attitude itself (e.g., 'His condescension was infuriating').
To behave as if one is superior to others.
Condescend is usually formal, literary in register.
Condescend: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒn.dɪˈsend/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːn.dɪˈsend/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “condescend to notice”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONdescending DESCENDant of royalty who has to DESCEND from their high position to speak to common people.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL/INTELLECTUAL SUPERIORITY IS PHYSICAL HEIGHT (descending from a higher level).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'condescend' CORRECTLY?