[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/patronising/)

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# patronising

adjective (patronising; more patronising); also the -ing form of the verb patronise (patronise, patronises, patronised, patronising); US spelling patronizing

«patronising» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Talking to someone or treating them as if they were less clever or less important than you, in a kind-seeming but rude way. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/patronising/#m1)
2. verb form: Being a regular customer of a shop or business (formal). [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/patronising/#m2)

### In the lessons

In everyday life and wellbeing lessons, a patronising tone sounds like "Oh, well done, sweetie" said to a grown person, or talking down to children. It hurts because it seems friendly but shows no respect. In writing, it describes a character who looks down on others.

### Examples

- "Don't be patronising; I can tie my own shoes!" [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/patronising/#x1)
- His patronising smile made her angry. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/patronising/#x2)
- The waiter's patronising voice annoyed Grandad. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/patronising/#x3)
- She explained it slowly in a patronising way. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/patronising/#x4)
- Speaking to the new girl as if she were a baby was patronising. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/patronising/#x5)
- Many families have been patronising the corner shop for years. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/patronising/#x6)

### Note

UK spelling: patronising; US: patronizing. Verb: patronise. The second meaning (being a customer) is formal and old-fashioned. Opposite in attitude: respectful.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «patronising» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/P/patronising/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«patronising» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/patronising.html) on Mova free.