English Dictionary: condescend | by the DICT Development Group |
2 results for condescend | |
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]: | |
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From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
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. [bd]Condescend to men of low estate.[b8] --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. Note: 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. [Obs.] All parties willingly condescended heruento. --R. Carew. Syn: To yield; stoop; descend; deign; vouchsafe. |