How to pronounce condescending
Say it like kon-dih-SEN-ding. Condescending has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce condescending. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kon
- dih
- SEN
- ding
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Condescending 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.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- dingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of condescending
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 3, while British speakers stress syllable 1.
British respelling: KAWN-dih-sen-ding.
What does condescending mean?
- Assuming a tone of superiority, or a patronizing attitude.“Quit talking to me in that condescending tone! You always treat me like a child!”
- An act of condescension.
- present participle and gerund of condescend How to pronounce condescend
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- patronizing
- arch
- patronising
Words that rhyme with condescending
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of condescending.
Questions about saying condescending
How do you pronounce condescending?
Say kon-dih-SEN-ding. The American pronunciation is /ˌkɑndɪˈsɛndɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈkɔndɪsɛndɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in condescending?
Condescending has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SEN). Broken into parts: kon · dih · SEN · ding.
Is condescending pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 3, while British speakers stress syllable 1. The British form is /ˈkɔndɪsɛndɪŋ/ (KAWN-dih-sen-ding).