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Patronizingly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ™„
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patronizingly

[หŒpeษชtrษ™หˆnaษชzษชล‹li ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a condescending manner

If someone speaks or behaves in a patronizing way, they speak or behave toward you in a way that shows they think they are superior to you.

Synonyms

condescendingly, disdainfully, superiorly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patronizingly

Often used when someone is speaking or behaving in a way that shows they believe they are more knowledgeable or superior to the person they are addressing, but in a way that is meant to seem kind or helpful.

  • 'You did a great job for someone with your level of experience,' she said patronizingly
condescendingly

Used when someone is behaving as if they think they are better or more important than others. The behavior is often overtly rude or demeaning.

  • He spoke condescendingly to the waiter, acting as if he was superior because he was the customer
superiorly

Used in situations where someone behaves as if they are inherently better than others, often in an arrogant and overbearing manner.

  • He addressed the team superiorly, making it clear he believed he knew better than everyone else
disdainfully

Used when someone shows strong dislike or disapproval in their tone or actions. It suggests contempt and scorn.

  • She looked at the messy room disdainfully, not hiding her displeasure

Examples of usage

  • He patted her on the head patronizingly.
  • She smiled at me patronizingly.
  • Don't talk to me like that - it's so patronizing.
  • I hate when people treat me patronizingly.
  • He spoke to the children patronizingly.
Context #2 | Adjective

treating with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority

If someone is patronizing, they speak or behave toward you in a way that shows they think they are superior to you.

Synonyms

condescending, disdainful, superior.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patronizingly

Use when someone acts as though they are more intelligent or better than another person, often in a way that feels false or overly earnest.

  • She spoke to the children patronizingly, as if they couldn't understand simple instructions.
  • He replied patronizingly, making everyone uncomfortable.
condescending

Use when someone talks down to others, showing a sense of superiority or lack of respect.

  • His condescending tone made it clear he didn't value her opinion.
  • The manager's condescending remarks upset his team.
superior

Use to describe an attitude where someone believes they are better than others, which can come off as rude or arrogant.

  • Her superior attitude annoyed her colleagues.
  • He always speaks in a superior manner, making it hard to work with him.
disdainful

Use when someone shows a lack of respect or intense dislike for another person or thing.

  • She gave a disdainful look at the mess in the room.
  • He was disdainful of the new policies, believing they were unnecessary.

Examples of usage

  • She had a patronizing manner that made me feel uncomfortable.
  • He had a patronizing tone in his voice.
  • Don't be so patronizing - I'm not a child.
  • I can't stand her patronizing attitude.
  • The teacher's patronizing comments irritated the students.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Patronizing behavior can stem from an individualโ€™s need to feel superior or to assert power in a conversation.
  • Research shows that people often patronize others unwittingly when they misunderstand social hierarchies or overestimate their own knowledge.
  • Patronizing comments can cause defensiveness in others and often lead to feelings of frustration or resentment.

Communication

  • Using โ€˜patronizinglyโ€™ often reveals a power imbalance in discussions, impacting how messages are received.
  • This kind of tone can unintentionally alienate listeners, leading them to disengage from the conversation.
  • In written communication, the word can suggest sarcasm or irony, complicating the intended message.

Literature

  • Patronizing characters often serve as antagonists in stories, illustrating societal hierarchies and the impact of condescension.
  • Authors use this tone to develop complex characters, showing how arrogance can overshadow genuine relationships.
  • In classic literature, patronizingly depicted characters often face moral reckoning, showcasing the consequences of their attitudes.

Pop Culture

  • In films or TV shows, characters who speak patronizingly are frequently used for comedic effect, highlighting their lack of self-awareness.
  • Memes often take aim at patronizing behavior, humorously illustrating situations where someone is condescendingly nice.
  • Popular figures who exhibit such behavior may face backlash on social media, showcasing the cultural push for equality and mutual respect.

Origin of 'patronizingly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'patron,' meaning a supporter or protector, combined with the suffix '-izing,' suggesting an action or a state.
  • Rooted in the Latin word โ€˜patronus,โ€™ referring to a protector or advocate, it evolved to carry a sense of condescension over time.
  • The suffix '-ly' indicates the manner in which the action occurs, emphasizing the tone of speaking or behaving.

The word 'patronizingly' is derived from the verb 'patronize', which originated in the late 16th century from the French word 'patroniser', meaning 'to be a patron'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the idea of treating someone as if they are less intelligent or knowledgeable. The adverb 'patronizingly' came into use to describe the manner in which someone speaks or behaves condescendingly towards others.

See also: patronizing.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,067, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.