condescending

Adjective

WordNet 3.0

Adjective (1)

(used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescensionSynonyms: arch patronizing patronising

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

condescending \condescending\ adj. exhibiting an attitude of superiority; patronizing; -- used of behavior or attitude.

Syn: arch, patronizing. [WordNet 1.5]

Condescend \Con`de*scend"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Condescended; p. pr. & vb. n. Condescending.] [F. condescendre, LL. condescendere, fr. L. con- + descendere. See Descend.]

1.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. "Condescend to men of low estate." --Rom. xii. 16. [1913 Webster]

Can they think me so broken, so debased With corporal servitude, that my mind ever Will condescend to such absurd commands?— Milton.[1913 Webster]

Spain's mighty monarch, In gracious clemency, does condescend, On these conditions, to become your friend.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

Note: Often used ironically, implying an assumption of superiority. [1913 Webster]

Those who thought they were honoring me by condescending to address a few words to me.— F. W. Robinson.[1913 Webster]

2.To consent. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

All parties willingly condescended heruento.— R. Carew.

Syn: To yield; stoop; descend; deign; vouchsafe. [1913 Webster] Condescendence