Definitions
- Describing a tone or behavior that is intended to make someone feel inferior or belittled. - Referring to a way of speaking or acting that assumes the listener has less knowledge or experience. - Talking about a manner that is meant to be helpful but comes across as insincere or condescending.
- Describing a tone or behavior that is intended to show superiority or arrogance. - Referring to a way of speaking or acting that implies the listener is beneath the speaker. - Talking about a manner that is meant to be helpful but comes across as arrogant or dismissive.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a tone or behavior that is intended to make someone feel inferior.
- 2Both words can be used to describe a way of speaking or acting that assumes the listener has less knowledge or experience.
- 3Both words can be used to describe a manner that is meant to be helpful but comes across as insincere or arrogant.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Patronising focuses on making someone feel inferior by treating them as if they are less knowledgeable or experienced. Condescending focuses on showing superiority or arrogance towards someone.
- 2Tone: Patronising has a tone that is more gentle and seemingly well-intentioned, while condescending has a tone that is more overtly arrogant and dismissive.
- 3Intent: Patronising may be intended to be helpful, while condescending is almost always intended to show superiority.
- 4Usage: Patronising is more commonly used in British English, while condescending is more commonly used in American English.
Remember this!
Patronising and condescending are synonyms that both describe a tone or behavior that is intended to make someone feel inferior. However, the difference between patronising and condescending is their focus, tone, intent, usage, and etymology. Patronising is more gentle and seemingly well-intentioned, with a focus on treating someone as if they are less knowledgeable or experienced. Condescending is more overtly arrogant and dismissive, with a focus on showing superiority.
