patronisingly
gb/pˈætɹənɪsɪŋli/ us/pˈætɹənɪsɪŋli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
C1
property
1
In a condescending, superior way
In a way that makes someone feel you think you are better than them.
Usage pattern:
[say/speak/smile/laugh/nod] patronisingly
Common mistake:
Often confused with patronizing meaning “supporting” (as a patron). In modern English, patronisingly usually means “condescendingly.”
Synonyms
condescendingly (Closest common synonym; emphasizes talking down.)
|
superciliously (More formal; stresses visible arrogance.)
|
snidely (Adds a sense of nasty indirect criticism.)
Antonyms
respectfully (Shows regard rather than superiority.)
|
humbly (Shows modesty rather than arrogance.)
|
sincerely (Implies genuine feeling, not a put-on tone.)
Collocations
smile patronisingly
|speak patronisingly
|say it patronisingly
|laugh patronisingly
|nod patronisingly
|patronisingly polite
|patronisingly cheerful
|patronisingly helpful
|reply patronisingly
|remark patronisingly
Themes
communication
|emotions
|social_relations
|attitudes
Examples
- He explained it again, patronisingly, as if I hadn’t understood the first time.
- “Well done,” she said patronisingly, like she was praising a child.
- The manager smiled patronisingly and told her to “leave the details to the experts.”
Learner examples
- Please don’t speak to me patronisingly.
- He smiled patronisingly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
patronisingly
IPA
GB/pˈætɹənɪsɪŋli/
US/pˈætɹənɪsɪŋli/
Syllables & stress
pat - ron - isingly (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pat)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: patronisingly
- Plural: patronisinglies
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.