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Meaning & use

patronizing

adjective·Academicdisapproving

Last updated

UK/ˈpætrənaɪzɪŋ/
US/ˈpeɪtrənaɪzɪŋ/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meaning

  1. adjectivecomparabledisapproving

    Speaking or acting as if the other person is slow, ignorant or beneath you, even when you try to sound kind or helpful.

    Grammar: Used before a noun or after a linking verb: a patronizing smile; her tone was patronizing.

    Patterns

    • be patronizing to someone
    • sound patronizing

    He gave me a patronizing pat on the head when I asked a question about the budget.

    I know you mean well, but explaining my own job to me is patronizing.

    The article takes a patronizing view of people who live in small towns.

Word forms

comparativemore patronizing
superlativemost patronizing

Common combinations

a patronizing tone
The manager's patronizing tone made the new staff feel unwelcome.
patronizing attitude
Her patronizing attitude toward volunteers upset several of them.
sound patronizing
I don't want to sound patronizing, but have you read the instructions?
a patronizing smile
He answered with a patronizing smile and changed the subject.
deeply patronizing
The leaflet was deeply patronizing to older readers.

Synonyms and how they differ

condescending
Condescending is nearly the same but stresses that the speaker consciously lowers themselves to talk down to you, while patronizing can describe kindness that comes across as belittling.
superior
Superior describes a general air of being better than others and does not need to involve explaining or helping, which patronizing usually does.
supercilious
Supercilious is more formal and suggests cold, contemptuous pride, whereas patronizing can be warm on the surface.

Opposites

respectfuldeferential

Word family

patronize verb
to treat someone in a talking-down way
patronizingly adverb
in a talking-down manner
patronage noun
support given by a patron, or regular custom from a shopper
patron noun
a supporter or regular customer

Commonly confused: patronizing or patronize (to shop at)?

patronizing vs patronize (to shop at)

The verb can formally mean to be a regular customer, which is neutral, but the adjective patronizing is always critical.

Practice

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