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Meanings of patronising in English

(Used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension.

Related terms
Usage of patronising in English
1
What it means in the United Kingdom: Moderately patronising word for woman.
The South African
2
There was something amusingly patronising in her manner toward the younger girls.
The Little Colonel's Hero
3
He could be kind and thoughtful in a patronising sort of way.
Malvina of Brittany
4
The way Eskom communicate with the public is getting a little patronising.
The South African
5
But then you would just be left with John Inverdale's patronising fandom.
The Guardian
6
The last thing we want is a patronising documentary on the topic.
The Irish Times
7
All of these illustrated books manage to enlighten without patronising or oversimplifying.
The Guardian
8
Gwen refused to be cowed by the patronising tone in Jack's voice.
Slow decay
9
Respect is not patronising them, not taking the boot of the pedal.
The Irish Times
10
Silver Stick smiled at Luna, speaking to him in a patronising way.
The Shadow of the Cathedral
11
She was always patronising people, and Rosy was only pretty and sweet.
The Shuttle
12
Even those that did him a good turn were suspected of patronising.
Tracks of a Rolling Stone
13
Here I will doubtless be accused of an outdated and patronising paternalism.
The Guardian
14
He slapped the patronising Dublin man about and took his shoes off.
The Irish Times
15
Though an honest sort of man himself, he is always patronising scoundrels.
Life of Adam Smith
16
Can you fancy a twopenny-halfpenny baroness of King Francis's time patronising Bayard?
The Newcomes: Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family
About this term
More collocations
Patronising through the time
Patronising across language varieties
Ireland
Common
United Kingdom
Less common