Patronizing: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
patronizing
[ หpeษช.trษn.aษช.zษชล ]
tone of speech
Showing an attitude of superiority; condescending in a way that may seem friendly or helpful, but actually belittles or undermines the other person's capabilities.
Synonyms
condescending, dismissive, superior
Examples of usage
- He spoke to her in a patronizing tone, as if she couldn't possibly understand the concept.
- Don't be so patronizing, I'm perfectly capable of making my own decisions.
behavior
Treating someone with an apparent kindness which betrays a feeling of superiority; to speak or behave towards someone as if they are less intelligent or knowledgeable than oneself.
Synonyms
condescend, look down on, talk down to
Examples of usage
- She felt insulted by his patronizing behavior towards her colleagues.
- He constantly patronizes his younger brother, thinking he knows better.
Translations
Translations of the word "patronizing" in other languages:
๐ต๐น condescendente
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคเคฐเคเฅเคทเค
๐ฉ๐ช herablassend
๐ฎ๐ฉ merendahkan
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะพะฑะปะฐะถะปะธะฒะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ protekcjonalny
๐ฏ๐ต ๆฉ็ใใใพใใ
๐ซ๐ท condescendant
๐ช๐ธ condescendiente
๐น๐ท tepeden bakan
๐ฐ๐ท ์๋ ์ฒดํ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุชุนุงูู
๐จ๐ฟ blahosklonnรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ blahosklonnรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ๅฑ ้ซไธดไธ็
๐ธ๐ฎ pokroviteljski
๐ฎ๐ธ yfirgangssamur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะตะนัััะผะดั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแขแแ แฅแชแแฃแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ yuxarฤฑdan baxan
๐ฒ๐ฝ condescendiente
Word origin
The word 'patronize' comes from the late 16th century, originally meaning 'to act as a patron towards'. It later evolved to include the sense of 'treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority'. The negative connotation of being patronizing emerged in the 19th century as a criticism of those who display condescending behavior towards others.
See also: patronizingly.