condescend upon
C1 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To act as if you are better than someone else and treat them like they don't know as much as you.
Literal meaning: To come down from a higher position upon someone.
Meanings
1 C1 formal
To behave in a superior or patronising way toward someone, as if doing them a favour by engaging with them.
"He would condescend upon his colleagues, always implying that their ideas were beneath his consideration."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
This is an archaic or literary variant of 'condescend to'. In modern English, 'condescend to' is far more common. 'Condescend upon' may appear in older texts. ESL learners should learn 'condescend to' as the standard form.
Commonly used with
manner tone attitude person inferior
Forms
Base
condescend upon
I/you/we/they
3rd person
condescends upon
he/she/it
Past simple
condescended upon
yesterday
Past participle
condescended upon
have + pp
-ing form
condescending upon
continuous
Understand "condescend upon" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "condescend upon" on Looplines