patronizing

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

See synonyms for patronizing on Thesaurus.com

adjective

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

Origin of patronizing

First recorded in 1720–30; patronize + -ing²

Other words from patronizing

pa·tron·iz·ing·ly, adverb
non·pa·tron·iz·ing, adjective
qua·si-pa·tron·iz·ing, adjective
qua·si-pa·tron·iz·ing·ly, adverb
un·pa·tron·iz·ing, adjective
un·pa·tron·iz·ing·ly, adverb

Words Nearby patronizing

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use patronizing in a sentence

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 | THE DAILY BEAST
Many commenters found her essay less empowering and more patronizing.
Is ‘Magic: The Gathering’ Immune to GamerGate Misogyny? | David Levesley | October 29, 2014 | THE 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 | THE DAILY BEAST
We will gladly continue patronizing those stores, but will not be taking our rifles.
A Gun Owner Speaks: My Case for Open Carry | CJ Grisham | June 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Or they might stop patronizing Starbucks and start patronizing a hipster java upstart like Stumptown.
Buying a Gift Card Is Really Making a Free Loan to Big Business | Daniel Gross | December 11, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST

Hence we find them frequently patronizing "mediums" and fortune tellers of various kinds.
Gospel Philosophy | J. H. Ward
His merit was his patriotism, and his patronizing such men as Burke, and bringing them into influence.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology | Joel Munsell
Even masters entering through the swinging doors seemed glad to pass beyond the range of the heroes' patronizing contemplation.
Sinister Street, vol. 1 | Compton Mackenzie
She was getting impatient of their patronizing laughter, as if she were a child.
Wayside Courtships | Hamlin Garland
To him, despite his well-exploited and patronizing devotion to them, the lower animals are disgustingly low.
Revolution and Other Essays | Jack London

British Dictionary definitions for patronizing

patronizing

patronising

/ (ˈpætrəˌnaɪzɪŋ) /

adjective

having a superior manner; condescending

Derived forms of patronizing

patronizingly or patronisingly, adverb

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

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