definitions

patronizing

[ pey-truh-nahy-zing, pa- ]
/ ˈpeɪ trəˌnaɪ zɪŋ, ˈpæ- /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR patronizing ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

displaying or indicative of an offensively condescending manner: a patronizing greeting, accompanied by a gentle pat on the pack.

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RELATED WORDS

snobbish, arrogant, pretentious, snobby, condescendence, paternalism

Nearby words

patron saint, patronage, patroness, patronise, patronize, patronizing, patronizingly, patronly, patronne, patronym, patronymic

Origin of patronizing

First recorded in 1720–30; patronize + -ing2
Related forms

Definition for patronizing (2 of 2)

patronize

[ pey-truh-nahyz, pa‐ ]
/ ˈpeɪ trəˌnaɪz, ˈpæ‐ /

verb (used with object), pa·tron·ized, pa·tron·iz·ing.

to give (a store, restaurant, hotel, etc.) one's regular patronage; trade with.
to behave in an offensively condescending manner toward: a professor who patronizes his students.
to act as a patron toward (an artist, institution, etc.); support.
Also especially British, pa·tron·ise.

Origin of patronize

First recorded in 1580–90; patron + -ize
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for patronizing

British Dictionary definitions for patronizing (1 of 2)

patronizing

patronising

/ (ˈpætrəˌnaɪzɪŋ) /

adjective

having a superior manner; condescending
Derived Formspatronizingly or patronisingly, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for patronizing (2 of 2)

patronize

patronise

/ (ˈpætrəˌnaɪz) /

verb

to behave or treat in a condescending way
(tr) to act as a patron or patroness by sponsoring or bringing trade to
Derived Formspatronizer or patroniser, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012