paternalistic
gb/pətˌɚnəlˈɪstɪk/ us/pətˌɚnəlˈɪstɪk/
C1
Inglés
Acepciones
0 acepciones
adjective
formal
C1
property
1
controlling “for your own good”
trying to control other people while saying it is to help them
Patrón de uso:
[someone/something] is paternalistic (toward [someone])
Error frecuente:
Often confused with fatherly (kind and supportive). Paternalistic usually implies unwanted control or condescension.
Sinónimos
patronizing (Emphasizes speaking/acting as if others are inferior.)
|
condescending (Stresses a superior, talking-down attitude.)
|
overprotective (Focuses on excessive protection rather than control.)
Antónimos
respectful (Treats others as capable decision-makers.)
|
empowering (Supports people’s independence rather than limiting it.)
Colocaciones
paternalistic attitude
|paternalistic approach
|paternalistic manner
|paternalistic tone
|paternalistic view
|paternalistic relationship
|deeply paternalistic
|somewhat paternalistic
|paternalistic advice
|paternalistic treatment
Temas
relationships
|society
|power
|behavior
Ejemplos
- Her comments about young voters sounded paternalistic and dismissive.
- The charity was criticized for a paternalistic style that ignored what local communities actually wanted.
- He didn’t mean to be paternalistic, but his advice came across as controlling.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- The teacher’s paternalistic rules made the students feel like children.
- I don’t like a paternalistic boss.
adjective
formal
C1
property
2
restricting choices via policy
a rule that limits your freedom to protect you
Patrón de uso:
a paternalistic [law/policy/regulation] (on [something])
Error frecuente:
Not the same as parental (related to parents). Paternalistic is about control and choice-limiting.
Sinónimos
interventionist (Broader; doesn’t necessarily imply a ‘for your own good’ justification.)
|
nanny-state (Informal/critical label for heavy-handed protective government.)
Antónimos
libertarian (Favors minimal restrictions on personal choice.)
|
laissez-faire (Prefers little government interference.)
Colocaciones
paternalistic policy
|paternalistic legislation
|paternalistic regulation
|paternalistic government
|paternalistic state
|paternalistic intervention
|paternalistic ban
|paternalistic measures
Temas
politics
|law
|public_policy
|ethics
Ejemplos
- Critics called the proposal a paternalistic attempt to police people’s diets.
- Some see seat-belt laws as sensible; others see them as paternalistic.
- The court rejected the argument that the regulation was justified by paternalistic concerns.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- Many people dislike paternalistic laws.
- They said the new rule was paternalistic.
adjective
business
C1
property
3
management treating staff as dependents
a company style that treats workers like children
Patrón de uso:
a paternalistic [company/manager/style] (that [does something])
Error frecuente:
It can include benefits and care, but the key idea is control and reduced independence.
Sinónimos
controlling (General; not necessarily tied to ‘care’ or protection.)
|
overbearing (Stresses pushy dominance more than protective intent.)
Antónimos
hands-off (Gives people more autonomy and fewer rules.)
|
collaborative (Shares decision-making rather than directing it from above.)
Colocaciones
paternalistic management
|paternalistic leadership
|paternalistic company
|paternalistic corporate culture
|paternalistic style
|paternalistic employer
Temas
work
|business
|power
|management
Ejemplos
- The firm offered housing and meals, but employees complained about the paternalistic culture.
- His paternalistic management style made staff feel they couldn’t be trusted.
- They moved away from paternalistic leadership and gave teams more independence.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- The company had a paternalistic culture.
- My manager is paternalistic.
Gramática
Forma de diccionario
paternalistic
AFI
GB/pətˌɚnəlˈɪstɪk/
US/pətˌɚnəlˈɪstɪk/
Sílabas y acento
pa - ter - nal - ist - ic (5 sílabas)
Stress on 3rd syllable (nal)
Formas de la palabra
Adjective
- Base: paternalistic
Familia de palabras
Core family
paternalism
noun
paternal
adjective B2
Related words
paternalist
noun
paternity
noun
fatherly
adjective
Advanced or less common
paternalistically
adverb
Expresiones
paternalistic approach
1/pətˌɚnəlˈɪstɪk əpɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
formal
controlling method of helping
a method that helps by controlling
Ejemplos
- The report recommends replacing a paternalistic approach with one based on choice and consent.
- A paternalistic approach to training can discourage employees from taking initiative.
paternalistic attitude
1/pətˌɚnəlˈɪstɪk ˈætətˌud/
fixed phrase
formal
belief others need guidance
a way of thinking that treats others like children
Ejemplos
- A paternalistic attitude toward patients can prevent honest conversations about risk.
- She challenged the paternalistic attitude that women need protection from certain jobs.
paternalistic management
1/pətˌɚnəlˈɪstɪk mˈænɪd͡ʒmənt/
fixed phrase
business
bossy but protective leadership
a way of managing that controls workers ‘for their good’
Ejemplos
- Paternalistic management can feel supportive at first, but it often limits independence.
- The union pushed back against paternalistic management practices.
paternalistic policy
1/pətˌɚnəlˈɪstɪk pˈɑlɪsi/
fixed phrase
formal
rule limiting choice to protect
a rule that protects you by limiting you
Ejemplos
- Opponents argued that the ban was a paternalistic policy that treated adults like children.
- The minister defended the paternalistic policy as necessary to reduce preventable deaths.