# patronizing

/ˈpeɪtɹəˌnaɪzɪŋ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/patronizing
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

behaving in a way that makes you seem more important or better than someone else. You use this to describe someone who treats a person with a fake kind of care or respect.

For teachers: behaving in a condescending or superior manner toward others. Often describes a tone or attitude that implies a lack of genuine respect for the person's intelligence or status.

## Examples

- He gave a patronizing smile when I asked for help.
- The manager's patronizing attitude made the new employees feel like they were not capable of making their own decisions.
- The author's patronizing tone throughout the biography suggests a deep-seated disdain for the subject's humble origins, despite the narrative's claim to be a neutral historical account.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.