Patronising Meaning in English
word · lemma: patronise
ˈpeɪtrəˌnaɪzɪŋ
PAY-truh-ny-zing
pˈætɹənˌaɪzɪŋ
PAT-ruh-ny-zing
Definition
Speaking or behaving toward someone as if they are not as intelligent or important as you; showing a superior attitude.
Usage & Nuances
Usually negative; describes behavior that seems 'talking down' to others. Common with 'tone', 'attitude', or direct speech. Often confused with 'supportive' (which is positive), but 'patronising' is about superiority.
Spanish: condescendientePortuguese (BR): condescendentePortuguese (PT): condescendenteChinese (Simplified): 居高临下的 - 表现出优越感的Chinese (Traditional): 居高臨下的 - 表現出優越感的Hindi: ओछी दृष्टि से बात करने वालाArabic: متعالي - متغطرسBengali: অভিমানসূচক - তুচ্ছতাচ্ছিল্যপূর্ণRussian: снисходительный - покровительственный (с оттенком превосходства)Japanese: 恩着せがましい - 上から目線のVietnamese: hách dịch - ra vẻ bề trênKorean: 은혜를 베푸는 듯한 - 깔보는 (태도)Turkish: küçümseyici - üstten bakanUrdu: تحقیر آمیز - بالا سے بات کرنے والاIndonesian: merendahkan - bersikap sok tahu
Example Sentences
He spoke to me in a patronising way.
basic
Her patronising smile made me uncomfortable.
basic
Don’t be patronising to your classmates.
basic
Stop being so patronising—I can do it myself!
natural
His patronising tone makes every meeting awkward.
natural
I found her advice a bit patronising, even though she meant well.
natural