What is the difference between patronizing and condescending?

Patronizing can mean "giving support to" or "being a customer of," suggesting that the "condescending" sense implies superiority gained through a donor-dependent relationship. The verb condescend used to be free of any hint of the offensive superiority it usually suggests today.
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Is Patronising and condescending the same?

2 Answers. "Condescending" and "patronizing" are synonyms and therefore can typically be used interchangeably. Condescending - "having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority." Patronizing - "apparently kind or helpful but betraying a feeling of superiority; condescending."
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What is an example of patronizing?

An example of patronize is when someone speaks slowly to an older person who can hear perfectly well. To assume a tone of unjustified superiority; to talk down to; to treat condescendingly. Patronize means to be a regular customer of a business. An example of patronize is going to a specific café every morning.
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Does condescend mean patronize?

Condescending is showing the attitude that others are inferior whereas patronizing is treating with an apparent kindness which betrays a feeling of superiority. This is the main difference between condescending and patronizing.
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What is an example of being condescending?

Examples of condescending behavior include acting as if you know everything and are not open to new ideas, reacting to an upset with “well, that's never happened to me”, offering unsolicited advice (unless you are a supervisor), not being open to feedback, referring to people in the group in the third person (even if ...
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? Condescend or Patronize - Condescend Meaning - Patronise Examples - Condescending vs Patronizing



How do you tell if someone is patronizing you?

10 Behaviors People Find Condescending
  1. Explaining things that people already know. ...
  2. Telling someone they "always" or "never" do something. ...
  3. Interrupting to correct people's pronunciation. ...
  4. Saying "Take it easy" ...
  5. Saying you "actually" like an idea. ...
  6. Doling out compliment sandwiches. ...
  7. Demeaning nicknames like "Chief" or "Honey"
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What is patronizing behavior?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word “patronize” as “to speak to or behave towards someone as if they are stupid or not important.” Similarly, Oxford Languages defines it as “to treat in a way that is apparently kind or helpful but that betrays a feeling of superiority.”
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What is a condescending person called?

See definition of condescending on Dictionary.com. adj.snobby, lordly.
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What is a condescending attitude?

: showing or characterized by a patronizing or superior attitude toward others.
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Is patronizing passive aggressive?

Definition: Belittling, Condescending and Patronizing - This kind of speech is a passive-aggressive approach to giving someone a verbal put-down while maintaining a facade of reasonableness or friendliness. Many people with Personality Disorders suffer from low self-esteem and look for ways to feel better.
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When someone says don't patronize me what do they mean?

transitive verb. If someone patronizes you, they speak or behave toward you in a way that seems friendly, but that shows that they think they are superior to you in some way. [disapproval] Don't you patronize me!
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When people say don't patronize me?

verb. If someone patronizes you, they speak or behave towards you in a way which seems friendly, but which shows that they think they are superior to you in some way. [disapproval] Don't you patronize me!
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How do you respond to a condescending person?

In communicating with a condescending person, try not to lose your temper, since this can make the situation worse. Before replying to the person, pause for a moment and take a deep breath. Tell yourself something like "I'm trying to point out a problem, but I'm going to stay calm and be civil." Be honest.
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How do you disarm a condescending person?

Try one of these strategies to keep your cool and not sink to the level of the offending party.
  1. Don't Take It Personally. First and foremost, keep calm and carry on, as they say. ...
  2. Call Them On It. ...
  3. Neutralize Your Body Language. ...
  4. Ask For Clarification.
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What does it mean to talk in a condescending way?

If you say that someone is condescending, you are showing your disapproval of the fact that they talk or behave in a way which shows that they think they are superior to other people.
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What is the opposite of being condescending?

Opposite of assuming a tone of superiority, or a patronizing attitude. approachable. deferential. friendly. humble.
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What is condescending behavior in a relationship?

The definition of “belittle” can be easily surmised from the two words that it is made up of, “be” and “little.” Said another way, belittling is language or behavior that literally makes someone feel small, unimportant, inferior or minimized.
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What causes someone to be condescending?

There are several reasons why people condescend. These includes: They make themselves the focus of attention and feel superior. Their insecurity is so overwhelming that they need to put themselves above the people around them.
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When people say you are condescending?

Condescending people think that they're so much better than everyone else, and they treat them as if they were inferior. They ignore you or give you fake compliments to make it seem like they're tolerant toward you, but deep down inside, all they want is to show off how smart and cool they are compared to the others.
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How do you respond to patronizing comments?

Although it's tempting to give the offender a piece of your mind, remaining calm is the best response. Flying off the handle only makes the other person believe that their behaviour is justified. Also, be careful not to reply to a condescending person with more condescension.
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How do you deal with a Patronising friend?

Say something like, "Can I talk to you alone for a minute about something?" Calmly (yet assertively) let your friend know that what he/she said felt condescending and hurtful. Use "I" statements rather than speaking in absolutes: "I feel like you forgot how much it hurts me when you talk to me like that."
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Why does patronize have two meanings?

But both of these words have specialized senses that lend a shade of meaning to their synonymous senses. Patronizing can mean "giving support to" or "being a customer of," suggesting that the "condescending" sense implies superiority gained through a donor-dependent relationship.
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How does it feel to be patronized?

What Does “Patronizing” Mean? Patronizing is the act of appearing kind or helpful but internally feeling superior to others. You should avoid acting in this way since it makes others feel like you look down on them. Patronizing behavior is a subtle form of bullying and can take many forms in the workplace.
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What happens if you patronize someone?

Patronize comes from Latin patronus "protector, master," related to pater "father." So if you patronize a person, you talk down to them like a father might do to his child or a master to his apprentice.
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What is the synonym of patronize?

verb. 1'don't patronize me! ' treat condescendingly, treat with condescension, condescend to, look down on, talk down to, put down, humiliate, treat like a child, treat as inferior, treat with disdain, treat contemptuously, treat scornfully, be snobbish to, look down one's nose at.
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