What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
patronizing
Example
She spoke to me in a patronizing tone, as if I didn't understand the concept. [patronizing: adjective]
Example
He was patronizing towards his colleagues, making them feel inferior. [patronizing: verb]
condescending
Example
She had a condescending attitude towards her coworkers, making them feel inferior. [condescending: adjective]
Example
He condescended to explain the basic concepts to his subordinates, as if they were children. [condescending: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Patronizing and condescending are both commonly used in everyday language, but patronizing is more common in American English, while condescending is more common in British English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between patronizing and condescending?
Both patronizing and condescending are informal words that are typically used in casual conversation or writing. However, condescending is generally considered more formal than patronizing due to its Latin roots.
