ˈkändə̇|send, -dē|- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English condescenden, from Middle French condescendre, from Late Latin condescendere, from Latin com- + descendere to descend — more at descend
intransitive verb
1. obsolete : to go or come down : descend
2. : to stoop or bend to action or speech less formal or dignified than is customary in one's social rank or importance : come down to the level of one socially inferior : unbend
why, if he so dislikes and despises these people, does he condescend to mix with them — F.A.Swinnerton
3. : to assume an air of superiority (as to one inferior or less fortunate) : act patronizingly
well-fed tourists on their condescending way through less happy lands
— often used in irony
if you will condescend to talk to a simple girl in intelligible terms — T.L.Peacock
4. obsolete : acquiesce , consent
5. now chiefly Scotland : to make a settlement or specification — usually used with on or upon
the declaration was made to condescend upon particulars
transitive verb
obsolete : to agree upon : settle upon : concede