Condescend
[kɒndɪ'send] or [,kɑndɪ'sɛnd]
Definition
(verb.) do something that one considers to be below one's dignity.
(verb.) behave in a patronizing and condescending manner.
(verb.) debase oneself morally, act in an undignified, unworthy, or dishonorable way; 'I won't stoop to reading other people's mail'.
Inputed by Jane--From WordNet
Definition
(v. i.) To stoop or descend; to let one's self down; to submit; to waive the privilege of rank or dignity; to accommodate one's self to an inferior.
(v. i.) To consent.
Typed by Ferris
Synonyms and Synonymous
v. n. [1]. Stoop, yield, submit, bend, descend, deign, vouchsafe.[2]. Humble one's self.
Typist: Michael
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Stoop, descend, deign, vouchsafe
ANT:Disdain, scorn, spurn
Typist: Vern
Definition
v.i. to descend willingly from a superior position: to act kindly to inferiors: to deign: to comply: to lower one's self.—n. Condescend′ence condescension: (Scots law) an articulate statement annexed to a summons setting forth the allegations in fact upon which an action is founded.—adj. Condescend′ing yielding to inferiors: courteous: obliging: patronising.—adv. Condescend′ingly.—n. Condescens′ion affability to inferiors: courtesy: graciousness.—Condescend upon to specify: to mention.
Edited by Ellis
Examples
- What a pity, Master Copperfield, that you didn't condescend to return my confidence! Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- But I shall be happy, sir, if you will condescend. Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
- I was resolute in repulsing him; for I had determined when I went there, that no one should pity me or condescend to me. Charles Dickens. Little Dorrit.
- If your Majesty would condescend to state your case, he remarked, I should be better able to advise you. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
- I cannot therefore condescend to speak of them as the Boffins. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- I wonder you condescend to come back to such poor society as this, I am sure I do! Charles Dickens. Great Expectations.
- And, being this, as well as young and beautiful, why condescend to resent our sins against you? Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- The duke seeing that mine was real agitation and not affectation, condescended to unbend a little. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- Each man asked his neighbour for news; and even great English lords and ladies condescended to speak to persons whom they did not know. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- Several before your ladyship condescended to favour me with an answer. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- Beaumanoir saw his mortal apprehension, and condescended to give him some assurance. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- The clerk, being a married man, condescended to take an interest in the couple, who appeared to be shopping for their family. Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
- Twice has she condescended to give me her opinion (unasked too! Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice.
- On the plain household bread his eye did not dwell; but he surveyed with favour some currant tea-cakes, and condescended to make choice of one. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- I am surprised,' said Mr Sampson feebly, 'that Miss Bella condescends to cook. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- But she is perfectly amiable, and often condescends to drive by my humble abode in her little phaeton and ponies. Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice.
- She condescends to say I would have made him a good wife; and vows that she will be a mother to your little Rebecca. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- Some cynical Frenchman has said that there are two parties to a love-transaction: the one who loves and the other who condescends to be so treated. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- Ay, my man,' said the gentleman in the white waistcoat, with a condescending smile. Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
- There is no more agreeable object in life than to see Mayfair folks condescending. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- And he is so condescending to the son he so egregiously deludes that you might suppose him the most virtuous of parents. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- Humble, humble--condescending even to poor Dick, who is simple and knows nothing. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- MY DEAR MISS WILSON,--Will you be so condescending as to allow me to pass this evening alone with you after Lord Lansdowne's party? Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- Archer's laugh lingered on his lips in a slightly condescending smile. Edith Wharton. The Age of Innocence.
- It is not that I have seen my good Amy attentive, and--ha--condescending to my old pensioner--it is not _that_ that hurts me. Charles Dickens. Little Dorrit.
Editor: Natasha