condescend
含义: To behave in a patronising manner towards others, treating them as inferior. Also, more rarely, to graciously lower oneself to do something perceived as beneath one's dignity.
In modern usage, condescend is almost always pejorative, describing someone who talks down to others or adopts an air of superiority. The adjective 'condescending' is far more common in everyday speech. In older or formal English, it could mean to willingly set aside one's rank, but this positive sense has largely fallen out of use.
例句
- She condescended to explain the procedure as though addressing a small child. 她居高临下地解释那个程序，仿佛是在对一个小孩说话。Se dignó a explicar el procedimiento como si se dirigiese a un niño pequeño.彼女はまるで小さな子供に話すかのように、見下した態度で手順を説明した。그녀는 마치 어린아이에게 말하듯 거들먹거리며 절차를 설명했다.
- The minister was criticised for condescending to voters who raised legitimate concerns about housing. 这位部长因对提出住房合理关切的选民采取居高临下的态度而受到批评。El ministro fue criticado por su actitud condescendiente hacia los votantes que plantearon preocupaciones legítimas sobre la vivienda.その大臣は、住宅問題について正当な懸念を示した有権者に対して見下した態度を取ったと批判された。그 장관은 주택 문제에 대해 정당한 우려를 제기한 유권자들을 깔보는 태도를 보였다는 비판을 받았다.
- He would never condescend to ask for help, even when utterly out of his depth. 他绝不会屈尊去求助，即使完全力不从心。Él jamás se rebajaría a pedir ayuda, aun cuando estuviese completamente fuera de su ámbito.彼は完全に手に負えない状況でも、決して助けを求めようとはしなかった。그는 완전히 역부족인 상황에서도 절대로 도움을 청하려 하지 않았다.
发音
用法指南
语境: social, professional, literary
语气: critical
起源与历史
From Latin condescendere (to stoop, descend), via Old French condescendre. The shift from a neutral meaning of 'gracious lowering' to a negative sense of 'patronising' occurred in the 18th century.
文化背景
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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