patronize
To treat someone in a condescending manner as if they were inferior
Examples
In a meeting
“Please don't patronize the junior team members when they ask questions.”
Over coffee
“I hate when he patronizes me by explaining things I already know.”
Why this word
condescend
Patronize often masks contempt with false kindness; condescend is more openly acting superior
belittle
Belittle is overt diminishment; patronize treats someone as inferior while pretending to be helpful or kind
talk down
Talk down is casual phrasing; patronize captures the specific combination of superiority and false benevolence
Usage tip
Use when describing condescending behavior. Note: this word also means 'to be a customer of,' but in interpersonal contexts it's almost always negative.
Etymology
Latin 'patronus' (patron, protector) via French 'patroniser'
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