/ ˌkɒndɪˈsend; NAmE ˌkɑːn-/ verb
1.
[ v to inf ] (often disapproving ) to do sth that you think it is below your social or professional position to do
SYN deign :
We had to wait almost an hour before he condescended to see us.
2.
[ v ] condescend to sb to behave towards sb as though you are more important and more intelligent than they are :
When giving a talk, be careful not to condescend to your audience.
► con·des·cen·sion / ˌkɒndɪˈsenʃn; NAmE ˌkɑːn-/ noun [ U ]:
Her smile was a mixture of pity and condescension.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (in the sense give way, defer ): from Old French condescendre , from ecclesiastical Latin condescendere , from con- together + descendere descend.