scend-, scen-, scand-, scan-, scans-

1. A rising or climbing; an upward movement; ascension, climb, climbing, rise, rising: "The construction worker made a careful ascent up to the roof of the building."
2. Incline, slope: "The road made a sharp ascent to the top of the hill."
3. Advancement, advance, rise, progress, progression, ascension: "We were amazed about her ascent from secretary to president of the company in just five years."

1. To behave toward other people as though they were socially or intellectually inferior.
2. To do something regarded as unimportant or demeaning in order to impress or appear generous toward others.
3. To descend to the level of someone who is considered inferior; to lower oneself; to stoop.
4. To deal with people in a patronizingly superior manner.

1. Behaving as if one is conscious of descending from a superior position, rank, or dignity.
2. Stooping or deigning to do something: "He refused condescending to misrepresent the facts because he knew they were accurate."
3. Putting aside one's dignity or superiority voluntarily and assuming equality with someone who is regarded as inferior: "The teacher was obviously condescending to the studen'ts intellectual level in order to be understood."

1. Voluntary assumption of equality with another person who is regarded as inferior.
2. Behavior that implies that someone is graciously lowering himself, or herself, to the level of other people who are less important or intelligent.
3. A religious reference to an English term for anthropopatheia, or ascribing human attributes to God.

1. To decrease in intensity, magnitude, etc.
2. To decrease or to diminish in size, scope, or intensity.
3. To reduce the level or intensity of a difficult or dangerous situation.