How to pronounce condescend
Say it like kon-duh-SEND. Condescend has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SEND).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce condescend. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kon
- duh
- SEND
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Condescend pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- konGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SENDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of condescend
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: kon-dih-SEND.
What does condescend mean?
- To come down from a superior position and do something; to deign; (with a negative connotation) to stoop.“The boss condescended not to sack him after much persuasion from his coworkers.”
- To treat someone as though inferior; to talk down to someone; to patronize.
- Chiefly followed by on or upon: to go into detail; to particularize, to specify.
Where does condescend come from?
From Middle English condescenden, condescendre (“to deign, condescend; to accede graciously; to agree; to agree to, give consent; to make a concession, yield; etc.”), from Old French condescendre (“to descend, go down; to agree or assent to
Words that rhyme with condescend
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of condescend.
Questions about saying condescend
How do you pronounce condescend?
Say kon-duh-SEND. The American pronunciation is /ˌkɑndəˈsɛnd/. In British English it is /ˌkɒndɪˈsɛnd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in condescend?
Condescend has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SEND). Broken into parts: kon · duh · SEND.
Is condescend pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌkɒndɪˈsɛnd/ (kon-dih-SEND).