speak down to
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
to talk to someone like they are stupid or unimportant
Literal meaning: to direct speech downward toward someone physically below you
Meanings
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Usually used negatively. Common with people in positions of authority or expertise who sound condescending.
Commonly used with
children staff customers students voters patients
Forms
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
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Synonyms
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