What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
matronizing
Example
She was matronizing towards her younger colleagues, always telling them what to do. [matronizing: verb]
Example
The matronizing tone in her voice made me feel like a child. [matronizing: adjective]
patronizing
Example
He spoke to me in a patronizing tone, as if I didn't understand the concept. [patronizing: adjective]
Example
Stop patronizing me, I know what I'm doing. [patronizing: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Patronizing is more commonly used than matronizing in everyday language. Patronizing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while matronizing is less common and refers to a specific behavior associated with women.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between matronizing and patronizing?
Both matronizing and patronizing are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, patronizing is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
