Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

patronisation

Noun

/ˌpeɪ.trə.nəˈzeɪ.ʃən/

Definition

The act of treating someone in a condescending manner, as if they are less intelligent or less capable.

Examples

Her patronisation made him feel belittled in front of his colleagues.
He couldn’t stand the patronisation from his teacher, who always talked down to the students.
Despite her qualifications, the patronisation she experienced in meetings was disheartening.

Meaning

Patronisation refers to the behavior of speaking to someone in a way that suggests they are inferior, often implying that the speaker is superior or more knowledgeable.