patronizing
gb/pˈeɪtɹənˌaɪzɪŋ/ us/pˈeɪtɹənˌaɪzɪŋ/
B2
English
lekezelő, kioktató, lekezel, odajár, támogat, pártfogol
C1
1
Usage pattern:
patronizing (to [someone])
I know you mean well, but that explanation sounded patronizing.
Tudom, hogy jót akartál, de az a magyarázat lekezelőnek hangzott.
The manager’s patronizing comments made the team feel undervalued.
A menedzser lekezelő megjegyzései miatt a csapat úgy érezte, hogy nem becsülik meg őket.
She gave him a patronizing smile and changed the subject.
Learner examples
Please don’t be patronizing.
Kérlek, ne légy lekezelő.
His tone was patronizing.
Lekezelő volt a hangneme.
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse with the verb sense meaning “to visit a shop/restaurant.” In modern English, the adjective is usually negative (condescending).
Meaning
condescending and insulting
Collocations
patronizing tone
|patronizing manner
|patronizing attitude
|patronizing smile
|patronizing voice
|sound patronizing
|seem patronizing
|come across as patronizing
|a bit patronizing
|in a patronizing way
Synonyms
condescending (Most direct synonym; stresses acting superior.)
|
demeaning (Emphasizes making the other person feel small or lesser.)
|
superior (More general; may be less explicit about the tone toward others.)
Antonyms
respectful (Shows regard and treats the other person as an equal.)
|
humble (Does not present yourself as better than others.)
Themes
communication
|emotions
|relationships
|conflict
Definition
Talking to someone as if they are not smart or not capable.
Speaking or behaving toward someone as if you are superior and they are foolish, inexperienced, or need your guidance.
VERB
C1
2
lekezel
B2
Usage pattern:
patronizing [someone]
He kept patronizing her, even though she had more experience than he did.
Folyton lekezelte, pedig több tapasztalata volt nála.
I wish you’d stop patronizing me and just listen.
Jó lenne, ha abbahagynád a lekezelést, és egyszerűen csak meghallgatnál.
The host tried to be funny but ended up patronizing his guests.
Learner examples
Don’t patronize me.
Ne kezelj le.
She felt he was patronizing her.
Úgy érezte, hogy lekezeli.
Common mistake:
Learners often assume it means “helping” or “supporting.” In this sense, it is negative and means “talking down to.”
Meaning
treating someone as inferior
Collocations
patronizing someone
|stop patronizing me
|feel patronized
|patronize your staff
|patronize your audience
|patronize your partner
|patronize the customer
|patronizing remarks
|patronizing comments
|patronizing behavior
Synonyms
talk down to (Very common phrasing; focuses on speech.)
|
condescend to (Often more formal; suggests reluctant superiority.)
Antonyms
respect (Treats someone as worthy and equal.)
|
defer to (Shows respect for someone’s judgment or authority.)
Themes
communication
|relationships
|conflict
Definition
To talk to someone like they are less capable than you.
Acting toward someone in a way that shows you think you are better than they are; talking down to them.
VERB
B2
FORMAL
3
odajár
B1
Usage pattern:
patronizing [a business/place]
More people are patronizing small cafés in the neighborhood.
Egyre többen járnak a környék kis kávézóiba.
We stopped patronizing that store after the service got worse.
Miután romlott a kiszolgálás, nem jártunk többé abba a boltba.
Tourists were patronizing the market stalls all afternoon.
Learner examples
We patronize this restaurant every week.
Minden héten ebbe az étterembe járunk.
Common mistake:
This sense is neutral/formal, but the adjective “patronizing” is usually negative (condescending).
Meaning
frequenting a business as customer
Collocations
patronizing local businesses
|patronizing a restaurant
|patronizing a bar
|continue patronizing
|encourage people to patronize
|people patronizing the store
|patronize a shop
|patronize a café
|patronize a hotel
|patronize a cinema
Synonyms
frequent (Focuses on visiting often; not necessarily purchasing.)
|
visit (More general and less formal.)
Antonyms
boycott (Refuses to buy from a business as a protest.)
|
avoid (Stays away without implying protest.)
Themes
shopping
|food_and_drink
|business
|daily_life
Definition
To visit and buy things from a business.
Going to a shop, restaurant, bar, or other business as a customer, especially regularly.
VERB
C1
FORMAL
4
Usage pattern:
patronizing [an artist/organization/activity]
For years, wealthy families were patronizing the local theatre.
Éveken át tehetős családok támogatták a helyi színházat.
The gallery survived by patronizing emerging artists and promoting their work.
A galéria úgy maradt fenn, hogy támogatta a feltörekvő művészeket, és népszerűsítette a munkáikat.
Several donors began patronizing the festival after its first successful year.
Learner examples
They are patronizing the arts in their city.
Támogatják a művészeteket a városukban.
Common mistake:
In everyday conversation, people often use “support” or “sponsor” instead; “patronize” can sound formal.
Meaning
supporting arts with money
Collocations
patronizing the arts
|patronizing an artist
|patronizing a theatre
|patronizing a museum
|patronizing a festival
|patronize the opera
|patronize an exhibition
|patronize a cultural institution
Synonyms
support (Broader and more common; not limited to arts.)
|
sponsor (Often implies a public or commercial arrangement.)
Antonyms
defund (Stops providing financial support.)
|
oppose (Actively works against something rather than supporting it.)
Themes
arts
|business
|charity
|culture
Definition
To help pay for art or an organization.
Supporting an artist, organization, or activity by providing money or other resources, often on an ongoing basis.
Grammar
Dictionary form
patronizing
IPA
GB/pˈeɪtɹənˌaɪzɪŋ/
US/pˈeɪtɹənˌaɪzɪŋ/
Syllables & stress
pat - ron - iz - ing (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pat)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: patronizing
Word family
Core family
patronize
verb C1
patronizingly
adverb C1
Expressions
come across as patronizing
1/kˈʌm əkɹˈɔs ˈæz pˈeɪtɹənˌaɪzɪŋ/
fixed phrase
seem condescending unintentionally
To seem like you are talking down to someone.
Examples
- I was trying to help, but I’m worried I came across as patronizing.
- He comes across as patronizing when he explains basic things.
- That message might come across as patronizing, so maybe rewrite it.
Learner examples
- I don’t want to come across as patronizing.
patronizing manner
1/pˈeɪtɹənˌaɪzɪŋ mˈænɚ/
fixed phrase
condescending way of behaving
A way of acting that treats others like they are less capable.
Examples
- He answered in a patronizing manner, as if she hadn’t done any research.
- Even when she was being helpful, her patronizing manner put people off.
- Please explain it normally, not in that patronizing manner.
Learner examples
- She spoke in a patronizing manner.
patronizing smile
1/pˈeɪtɹənˌaɪzɪŋ smˈaɪl/
fixed phrase
smile that feels condescending
A smile that makes you feel looked down on.
Examples
- He gave her a patronizing smile and said, 'You’ll understand when you’re older.'
- I got a patronizing smile instead of a real answer.
- She responded with a patronizing smile that ended the conversation.
Learner examples
- He gave me a patronizing smile.
patronizing tone
1/pˈeɪtɹənˌaɪzɪŋ tˈoʊn/
fixed phrase
condescending way of speaking
A voice that sounds like you think you are better than someone.
Examples
- I didn’t like his patronizing tone during the meeting.
- Her email sounded polite, but the patronizing tone annoyed people.
- Try not to use a patronizing tone when you’re explaining the rules.
Learner examples
- His patronizing tone made me angry.