patronizing

[pey-truh-nahy-zing, pa-]

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adjective

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

Nearby words

Origin of patronizing

First recorded in 1720–30; patronize + -ing²

Related forms

pa·tron·iz·ing·ly, adverbnon·pa·tron·iz·ing, adjectivequa·si-pa·tron·iz·ing, adjectivequa·si-pa·tron·iz·ing·ly, adverb

un·pa·tron·iz·ing, adjectiveun·pa·tron·iz·ing·ly, adverb

patronize

[pey-truh-nahyz, pa‐]

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

pa·tron·iz·a·ble, adjectivepa·tron·i·za·tion, nounpa·tron·iz·er, nounre·pa·tron·ize, verb (used with object), re·pa·tron·ized, re·pa·tron·iz·ing.

trans·pa·tron·ize, verb (used with object), trans·pa·tron·ized, trans·pa·tron·iz·ing.un·pa·tron·iz·a·ble, adjectivewell-pa·tron·ized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for patronizing

It is loathed by some critics who find it patronizing, silly, and superficial.
'The Newsroom' Ended As It Began: Weird, Controversial, and Noble|Kevin Fallon|December 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Among the explorers, a state of mind developed that was patronizing and paternalistic.
Gertrude of Arabia, the Woman Who Invented Iraq|Clive Irving|June 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The psychological warfare can also be seen in the patronizing tone Democratic officials are now taking toward the Republicans.
On the Fiscal Cliff, Republicans Got Nothin’|Daniel Gross|December 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Still, there is a fine line between pandering and patronizing.
Fatherly Obama’s Charm Turns Patronizing on Visit to ‘The View’|Michelle Cottle|May 16, 2012|DAILY BEAST

And unfortunately, the result of this patronizing and destructive attitude will be the death of the two-state solution.
The Case for Palestine|Ismail Khalidi|September 19, 2011|DAILY BEAST
From patronizing and condescending, the Third Estate, as all the world knows, speedily became aggressive and arbitrary.
Caricature and Other Comic Art|James Parton.
So he assessed the splendidly budding Laurencine, patronizing her a little.
The Roll-Call|Arnold Bennett
She made a neat little courtesy before each of them, to which they responded with patronizing nods.
Ilka on the Hill-Top and Other Stories|Hjalmar Hjorth Boyesen
"It's a pity you're a girl, Ellen," with the patronizing air of a youth of nineteen.
Donald McElroy, Scotch Irishman|Willie Walker Caldwell
Mr. Topman paused for a moment, threw himself back in his chair, and cast a patronizing glance at Hanz.
The Von Toodleburgs|F. Colburn Adams

British Dictionary definitions for patronizing

patronizing

patronising

adjective

having a superior manner; condescending

Derived Formspatronizingly or patronisingly, adverb

patronize

patronise

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

Word Origin and History for patronizing

patronizing

adj.

1727, past participle adjective from patronize. Related: Patronizingly.

patronize

1580s, "to act as a patron towards," from patron + -ize, or from Old French patroniser. Meaning "treat in a condescending way" is first attested 1797; sense of "give regular business to" is from 1801. Related: Patronized; patronizing.

patronizing

adjective

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RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of patronizing

patronize

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

Origin of patronize

Examples from the Web for patronizing

patronizing

patronising

adjective

patronize

patronise

verb

patronizing

patronize