Need another word for Patronizing? Use these synonyms of Patronizing from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
condescending
superior
haughty
disdainful
contemptuous
scornful
mocking
derisive
sarcastic
ironic
belittling
demeaning
degrading
humiliating
insulting
offensive
rude
impolite
discourteous
dismissive
slighting
snobbish
snooty
high-handed
overbearing
domineering
tyrannical
authoritarian
autocratic
imperious
lordly
patronizingly
talked down to
put down
looked down on
snootily
highhandedly
disdainfully
contemptuously
scornfully
derisively
mockingly
sarcastically
ironically
belittlingly
demeaningly
degradingly
humiliatingly
insultingly
offensively
rudely
impolitely
discourteously
dismissively
slightingly.
Meaning of Patronizing
The primary meaning of "patronizing" refers to talking or behaving in a way that shows you believe you are better or more intelligent than someone else, often in a way that is annoying or insulting.
Definitions
- Talking or behaving in a way that shows you believe you are better or more intelligent than someone else, often in a way that is annoying or insulting.
- Giving help or support to someone in a way that makes them feel inferior or dependent on you.
Etymology of Patronizing
The word "patronizing" originates from the noun "patron", which refers to a person who gives financial or emotional support to someone, especially an artist or a cause.
The verb "patronize" emerged in the 17th century, initially meaning to be a patron of someone or something, but later developing a negative connotation of talking or behaving in a condescending or superior manner.
Example Uses
- The teacher's patronizing tone made the student feel belittled and unappreciated.
- The company's patronizing advertising campaign was widely criticized for being condescending and insulting to its target audience.
- The politician's patronizing speech was seen as an attempt to talk down to the voters rather than engage with them on a meaningful level.
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
respectful
considerate
thoughtful
courteous
polite
humble
modest
unassuming
deferential
obliging
accommodating
cooperative
supportive
encouraging
uplifting
empowering
egalitarian
democratic
inclusive
sensitive
tactful
diplomatic
conciliatory
appeasing
placating
soothing
calming
reassuring
comforting
sympathetic
empathetic
kind
gentle
benevolent.