Condescend
/ˌkɒn.dɪˈsɛnd/noun
To act in a way that shows you believe you are more important or intelligent than someone else.
Did you know?Originally, to condescend could mean a noble or higher-status person graciously ‘descending’ to meet others on their level, showing how language can turn hierarchy into humiliation over time.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
condescendere
“to come down together; to deign, stoop”
Late Latin
Latin
condescendere
“to show favor by lowering oneself”
Old French
Old French
condescendre
“to deign, yield, lower oneself”
14th Century
English
condescenden
“to descend or stoop graciously; to yield or submit”
Modern English
English
condescend
“to speak or behave toward someone in a patronizing way”