patronizing

American  

[pey-truh-nahy-zing, pa-] / ˈpeɪ trəˌnaɪ zɪŋ, ˈpæ- /

adjective

1. displaying or indicative of an offensively condescending manner.

   a patronizing greeting, accompanied by a gentle pat on the back.

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patronizing British  

/ ˈpætrəˌnaɪzɪŋ /

adjective

1. having a superior manner; condescending

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Usage

What does patronizing mean? Patronizing is an adjective that means displaying condescension toward a person in a way that arrogantly implies that it’s actually kind or helpful to that person.Patronizing can be used to describe a person or their words, tone, attitude, or actions.Patronizing is also the continuous (-ing) form of the verb patronize, which means to act toward someone in this way. (A separate sense of patronize means to be a customer—or patron—of a business or other establishment.)Being patronizing often takes the form of speaking to someone as if they were a child.Example: Don’t be so patronizing, Jeff—I understand the topic just as well as you do.

Other Word Forms

• nonpatronizing adjective
• patronizingly adverb
• quasi-patronizing adjective
• quasi-patronizingly adverb
• unpatronizing adjective
• unpatronizingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of patronizing

First recorded in 1720–30; patronize + -ing ²

Compare meaning

How does patronizing compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• patronizing vs. condescending

Example Sentences

But rather than a false and patronizing philosemitism, Christian empathy for the Jewish people is leavened with a clear-eyed assessment of U.S. security interests and the geopolitics of the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal

Xavier is much older than she is and seems, frankly, somewhat stupid and patronizing, but the narrator is nevertheless tormented by her feelings for him.

From The Wall Street Journal

While the guidance has the right intention, it can feel patronizing and constraining, some employees and observers say.

From The Wall Street Journal

The late Norman Lear, who produced “The Jeffersons” and “Good Times” alongside “Sanford,” sounds a little patronizing, or perhaps just defensive, on the subject of not using Black writers on his Black shows.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think I need to find a balance of contextualizing it without thinking like I’m patronizing people.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrogant
• pretentious
• snobbish