| 释义 |
con·de·scend
\ˈkändə̇|send, -dē|-\ verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
Etymology: Middle English condescenden, from Middle French condescendre, from Late Latin condescendere, from Latin com- + descendere to descend — more at descend
intransitive verb
1. obsolete : to go or come down : descend
2. : to stoop or bend to action or speech less formal or dignified than is customary in one's social rank or importance : come down to the level of one socially inferior : unbend
< why, if he so dislikes and despises these people, does he condescend to mix with them — F.A.Swinnerton >
3. : to assume an air of superiority (as to one inferior or less fortunate) : act patronizingly
< well-fed tourists on their condescending way through less happy lands >
— often used in irony
< if you will condescend to talk to a simple girl in intelligible terms — T.L.Peacock >
4. obsolete : acquiesce, consent
5. now chiefly Scotland : to make a settlement or specification — usually used with on or upon
< the declaration was made to condescend upon particulars >
transitive verb
obsolete : to agree upon : settle upon : concede |