patronizing

[US]/ˈpætrənaɪzɪŋ/
[UK]/ˈpeɪtrənaɪzɪŋ/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. showing a condescending attitude, showing an attitude of kindness and generosity

Example Sentences

the programme is a sloshy and patronizing affair.

he adopted a patronizing tone.

what did he see in this patronizing little squirt?.

She's a good-hearted girl, he said in a patronizing voice.

(He used to say to me in his somewhat patronizing way that we now teasingly call Chip-talk, “Buddy, we’ve got the perfect game for you.

Her tone was patronizing when she explained the concept to me.

He had a patronizing attitude towards his younger colleagues.

I hate when people talk to me in a patronizing way.

She gave me a patronizing smile as if I didn't understand.

His patronizing behavior towards the waitress was unacceptable.

Don't be so patronizing towards your students.

The tone of the speech was patronizing and condescending.

She had a way of making even compliments sound patronizing.

He was being patronizing when he patted me on the head like I was a child.

The teacher's patronizing tone made the students feel belittled.

Real-world Examples

Because we say a lot of stupid, patronizing things that make people want to avoid us.

Source: Desperate Housewives (Audio Version) Season 5

Because of the stigma that is associated with disability most times, people do not patronize them.

Source: VOA Standard English (Video Version) - 2022 Collection

Don't patronize me. Oh, my God. This is gonna be a disaster.

Source: Desperate Housewives (Audio Version) Season 3

The wealthy players started patronizing the poorer players and hogging the snacks they were meant to share.

Source: Bilingual Edition of TED-Ed Selected Speeches

I find it really patronizing and very weird.

Source: Actor Dialogue (Bilingual Selection)

He was possessed with a mania for patronizing Yankee ingenuity, and seeing his friends fitly furnished forth.

Source: Little Women (Bilingual Edition)

Could you be any more patronizing? I didn't ask for your help.

Source: Grey's Anatomy Season 2

Perhaps they fear saying the wrong thing or seeming patronizing.

Source: BBC Ideas Selection (Bilingual)

You know you're awfully patronizing for a half pint.

Source: Lost Girl Season 2

" Charming, " the boys politely agreed. But their smile was rather patronizing.

Source: Brave New World

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