English vocabulary · C1
Condescend
/ˌkɑːn.dəˈsend/ · v.
It means to talk to someone as if you are better or smarter than that person.
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Example sentences
- Do not condescend to me.
- The manager condescended to the new worker.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- con — together (from Latin)
- de — down (from Latin)
- scend — climb (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- PATRONIZE — help that feels rude (Fake Help)
- TALK DOWN — speak like someone is less (Simple Phrase)
- LOOK DOWN — think you are better (Bad Attitude)
Words with the same root
scend — climb
- descend — go down
- ascend — go up
- transcend — go beyond
Lesson notes
Condescend. It means to talk to someone as if you are better or smarter than that person.
Related: patronize, talk down, look down. Use condescend when help feels rude.
Do not condescend to me. The manager condescended to the new worker.
From Latin. Con- means together. De- means down. Scend- means climb. To condescend is to climb down toward someone's level, as if being together with them is beneath you.