patronizingly
gb/pˈætɹənˌaɪzɪŋli/ us/pˈætɹənˌaɪzɪŋli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
C1
property
1
in a condescending way
in a way that makes someone feel small or stupid
Usage pattern:
[say/speak/talk/smile] patronizingly (to/at) [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this with the other meaning of patronize (“support a business or artist”). In modern use, patronizingly almost always means “condescendingly.”
Synonyms
condescendingly (More formal; a direct synonym.)
|
superiorly (Emphasizes acting as if you are better than others.)
|
snidely (Often implies mocking or contempt in addition to condescension.)
Antonyms
respectfully (Shows regard and avoids talking down to someone.)
|
humbly (Shows modesty rather than superiority.)
Collocations
smile patronizingly
|speak patronizingly
|talk patronizingly
|say it patronizingly
|patronizingly explain
|patronizingly dismiss
|patronizingly call [someone] "dear"
|patronizingly remind [someone]
|patronizingly pat [someone] on the head
|answer patronizingly
Themes
communication
|emotions
|social_relations
Examples
- He spoke patronizingly, as if she couldn’t possibly understand the basics.
- “Good job,” she said patronizingly, in the same tone you’d use with a child.
- The manager smiled patronizingly and dismissed the customer’s complaint.
Learner examples
- Please don’t talk to me patronizingly.
- He answered patronizingly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
patronizingly
IPA
GB/pˈætɹənˌaɪzɪŋli/
US/pˈætɹənˌaɪzɪŋli/
Syllables & stress
pat - ron - iz - ingly (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pat)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: patronizingly
- Plural: patronizinglies
Word family
Forms
patronizinglies
noun
Core family
patronize
verb C1
patronizing
adjective C1
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.