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condescend definition

con·de·scend (kän′di send)

intransitive verb

  1. to descend voluntarily to the level, regarded as lower, of the person one is dealing with; be graciously willing to do something regarded as beneath one's dignity; deign
  2. to deal with others in a proud or haughty way
  3. Obsolete to make concessions; agree; assent

Etymology: ME condescenden < OFr condescendre < LL(Ec) condescendere, to let oneself down, condescend < L com-, together + descendere, descend

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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