1 B2 idiomatic neutral
to speak to someone in a way that shows you think they are less intelligent, less capable, or less important
"Good teachers explain clearly without speaking down to their students."
inseparable
speak down to
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
to speak to someone in a patronizing way as if they are less intelligent
In plain English
to talk to someone like they are stupid or unimportant
What does "speak down to" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to direct speech downward toward someone physically below you
Actually means
to talk to someone like they are stupid or unimportant
Usage tip
Usually used negatively. Common with people in positions of authority or expertise who sound condescending.
Words that pair with "speak down to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
children staff customers students voters patients
How to conjugate "speak down to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
speak down to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
speaks down to
he/she/it
Past simple
spoke down to
yesterday
Past participle
spoken down to
have + pp
-ing form
speaking down to
continuous
Hear "speak down to" in the wild
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Other ways to say "speak down to"
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