adjective
C2
Proficient
patronizing
Patronizing (adjective) means speaking or behaving in a way that shows a superior, condescending attitude toward someone. Example: “His patronizing tone made her feel like a child being lectured.”
adjective
1
Speaking or behaving in a way that shows a superior, condescending attitude toward someone.
"His patronizing tone made her feel like a child being lectured."
"She found the manager's "helpful" advice deeply patronizing."
How to use patronizing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTalking down to someone, treating them as less capable or less intelligent than they are.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
patronizing tone
patronizing remark
sound patronizing
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more patronizing
- Superlative
- most patronizing
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His _____ tone made her feel like a child being lectured.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for patronizing
sizing
seizing
agonizing
appetizing
organizing
downsizing
memorizing
vocalizing
socializing
tantalizing
apologizing
mesmerizing
See all rhymes for patronizing →
Frequently asked questions
What does “patronizing” mean?
The word “patronizing” means speaking or behaving in a way that shows a superior, condescending attitude toward someone. In plain terms, talking down to someone, treating them as less capable or less intelligent than they are.
How do you use “patronizing” in a sentence?
Here is “patronizing” used in a sentence: “His patronizing tone made her feel like a child being lectured.”
What part of speech is “patronizing”?
“Patronizing” is an adjective.
What is the meaning of patronizing?
"patronizing" (adjective) means speaking or behaving in a way that shows a superior, condescending attitude toward someone.
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