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Patronizingly: meaning, definitions and examples

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patronizingly

 

[ ˌpeɪtrəˈnaɪzɪŋli ]

Adverb / Adjective
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

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

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

Translations of the word "patronizingly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 com condescendência

🇮🇳 सहज भाव से

🇩🇪 herablassend

🇮🇩 dengan merendahkan

🇺🇦 поблажливо

🇵🇱 protekcjonalnie

🇯🇵 上から目線で

🇫🇷 avec condescendance

🇪🇸 con condescendencia

🇹🇷 aşağılayıcı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 생색내듯이

🇸🇦 بتعالٍ

🇨🇿 povýšeně

🇸🇰 povýšenecky

🇨🇳 居高临下地

🇸🇮 pokroviteljsko

🇮🇸 með yfirlæti

🇰🇿 менсінбей

🇬🇪 მოწყალებით

🇦🇿 müəyyənedici şəkildə

🇲🇽 con condescendencia

Etymology

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.