patronizing

UK: /ˈpætrənaɪzɪŋ/

US: /ˈpeɪtrəˌnaɪzɪŋ, ˈpæ-/

US: (pā′trə nī′zing, pa′-)

From the verb patronize: (⇒ conjugate)

patronizing is: ⓘ

v pres p (US & UK)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

pa•tron•iz•ing /ˈpeɪtrəˌnaɪzɪŋ, ˈpæ-/  adj. 

1. behaving in an arrogant, proud, or condescending manner toward someone.
See -patr-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

pa•tron•iz•ing  (pā′trə nī′zing, pa′-), adj. 

1. displaying or indicative of an offensively condescending manner:
   a patronizing greeting, accompanied by a gentle pat on the pack.

• patronize + -ing² 1720–30

pa ′tron•iz′ing•ly, adv. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

patronizing, patronising / ˈpætrəˌnaɪzɪŋ/ adjective

1. having a superior manner; condescending

ˈpatronˌizingly, ˈpatronˌisingly adverb

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

pa•tron•ize /ˈpeɪtrəˌnaɪz, ˈpæ-/   v. [~ + object] , -ized, -iz•ing. 

1. to give (a store, hotel, etc.) one's regular business:
   He patronizes the same coffee shop daily.
2. to behave in an arrogant, proud, or condescending manner toward:
   "Stop patronizing me,'' she complained to her boss.
3. to act as a patron toward (an artist, etc.);
   support.

pa•tron•iz•er, n. [countable] See -patr-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

pa•tron•ize  (pā′trə nīz′, pa′-), v.t., -ized, -iz•ing. 

1. to give (a store, restaurant, hotel, etc.) one's regular patronage;
   trade with.
2. to behave in an offensively condescending manner toward:
   a professor who patonizes his students.
3. to act as a patron toward (an artist, institution, etc.);
   support.

Also,[esp. Brit.,] pa′tron•ise′. 

• patron + -ize 1580–90

pa′tron•iz′a•ble, adj. 
pa′tron•i•za ′tion, n. 
pa ′tron•iz′er, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

patronize, patronise / ˈpætrəˌnaɪz/ verb

1. to behave or treat in a condescending way
2. (transitive) to act as a patron or patroness by sponsoring or bringing trade to

ˈpatronˌizer, ˈpatronˌiser noun