condescend
/ˌkɒndɪˈsend/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌkɑːndɪˈsend/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌkän-di-ˈsend/ (ame, mw)
condescend — verb
- condescendpresent simple I / you / we / they
- condescendshe / she / it
- condescendedpast simple
- condescending-ing form
1. to agree, often with noticeable reluctance, to perform a task or action that you
to agree, often with noticeable reluctance, to perform a task or action that you consider too humble or low for someone of your rank, status, or importance
The ambassador finally condescended to shake hands with the junior diplomats after the ceremony.
condescend + to-infinitive showing reluctant agreement
Amara would not condescend to eat at a street-food stall, insisting on a five-star restaurant instead.
The celebrated pianist condescended to give a brief masterclass to the music students.
After weeks of requests, the editor condescended to read the unpublished manuscript.
文法句型
condescend + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Subject is usually a person of high rank, status, or reputation. Frequently used in past tense with a tone of criticism or irony — the speaker implies the person should have acted sooner or more willingly.
常見錯誤
2. to speak or behave toward someone as if you think you are more intelligent, impo
to speak or behave toward someone as if you think you are more intelligent, important, or socially superior than they are
The professor spoke to the students in a condescending tone, as if they could not possibly grasp the material.
condescending tone — common adjective-noun collocation
Wei disliked the way his cousin would condescend to him whenever they discussed art or music.
condescend + to + person
Fatima gave a condescending smile when the new intern asked a simple question about the project.
It feels condescending when someone explains basic instructions to you as though you were a child.
- patronize
very similar meaning; slightly less formal
- talk down to
informal phrasal verb; focuses on speech rather than general attitude
- look down on
focuses on the attitude of superiority rather than the act of showing it
文法句型
condescend + to/preposition + person
condescending + tone/manner/smile/attitude
用法筆記
This sense is far more common than sense 1 in modern English. The adjective 'condescending' appears even more frequently than the verb. The behaviour described is usually communicated through tone of voice, choice of words, or facial expression rather than through explicit statements.