Dictionary entry

Condescend

Webster's Dictionary 1913

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.

Can they think me so broken, so debased

With corporal servitude, that my mind ever

Will condescend to such absurd commands?

Milton.

Spain's mighty monarch,

In gracious clemency, does condescend,

On these conditions, to become your friend.

Dryden.

Often used ironically, implying an assumption of superiority.

Those who thought they were honoring me by condescending to address a few words to me.

F. W. Robinson.

2. To consent.

All parties willingly condescended heruento.

R. Carew.

Syn. — To yield; stoop; descend; deign; vouchsafe.