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."
inseparable
condescend upon
C1 formal inseparable transitive
To behave in a patronising or superior manner toward someone, treating them as inferior.
In plain English
To act as if you are better than someone else and treat them like they don't know as much as you.
What does "condescend upon" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To come down from a higher position upon someone.
Actually means
To act as if you are better than someone else and treat them like they don't know as much as you.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "condescend upon"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
manner tone attitude person inferior
How to conjugate "condescend upon"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "condescend upon" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "condescend upon" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.