Patronizing

Behaving or speaking in a way that suggests you think you are superior to other people; displaying an offensively condescending manner. Patronizing behavior often involves a feigned kindness or helpfulness that masks a deeper feeling of superiority. It can be subtle, expressed through tone of voice, choice of words, or nonverbal cues. The effect is to belittle or demean the recipient, leaving them feeling inadequate or foolish. It is often rooted in prejudices or unconscious biases, and can damage relationships and foster resentment.

Patronizing meaning with examples

• His Patronizing tone, as he explained the basic mechanics of the engine as though I'd never seen a car before, made me furious; I've been a mechanic for years.
• She adopted a Patronizing voice when speaking to her younger colleague, slowly and deliberately explaining concepts that were already well understood, fostering an air of superiority.
• While he claimed to be offering helpful advice, his remarks about her career choices were clearly Patronizing, subtly undermining her confidence and suggesting she lacked ambition.
• The politician's Patronizing attempts to connect with working-class voters, complete with forced accents and clichés, were met with widespread skepticism and accusations of insincerity.