Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Condescend
Conˊde-scend′
,Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Condescended
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Condescending
.] 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
With corporal servitude, that my mind ever
Will
condescend
to such absurd commands? Milton.
Spain's mighty monarch,
In gracious clemency, does
On these conditions, to become your friend.
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.
[Obs.]
Syn. – To yield; stoop; descend; deign; vouchsafe.
Webster 1828 Edition
Condescend
CONDESCEND
,Verb.
I.
1.
To descend from the privileges of superior rank or dignity, to do some act to an inferior, which strict justice or the ordinary rules of civility do not require. Hence, to submit or yield, as to an inferior, implying an occasional relinquishment of distinction.Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Romans 12.
2.
To recede from ones rights in negotiation, or common intercourse, to do some act, which strict justice does not require.Spains mighty monarch, in gracious clemency does condescend, on these conditions, to become your friend.
3.
To stoop or descend; to yield; to submit; implying a relinquishment of rank, or dignity of character, and sometimes a sinking into debasement.Can they think me so broken, so debased, with corporal servitude, that my mind ever will condescend to such absurd commands?