patronizingly
patronizingly — adverb
1. behaving or speaking like someone who believes they are smarter, more experience
behaving or speaking like someone who believes they are smarter, more experienced, or more important than the person they are talking to — for instance, over-explaining simple steps or giving exaggerated praise for small efforts.
The manager spoke patronizingly to the junior staff, explaining basic tasks that everyone already knew.
spoke patronizingly + explaining basic tasks
Mei-Lin smiled patronizingly at her younger brother's attempt to fix the bicycle chain.
smiled patronizingly at [someone]
Javier's teacher patted him patronizingly on the head and praised his simple drawing.
Fatima's colleague spoke patronizingly when showing her how to copy and paste a file.
The guide addressed the group patronizingly, as if they had never entered a museum before.
- condescendingly
very similar meaning, but can imply more deliberate rudeness; patronizingly often carries a tone of false kindness
- disdainfully
stronger, suggesting open contempt or scorn rather than a superior-but-kindly tone
- superciliously
more formal; implies silent arrogance through facial expression rather than words
- smugly
focuses on self-satisfaction rather than looking down on others; the other person may not be the target
- respectfully
treating others as equals or with deference
- humbly
showing that you do not consider yourself better than others
文法句型
verb + patronizingly
patronizingly + adjective (e.g. patronizingly slow voice)
用法筆記
Frequently used with verbs of communication or reaction: speak, smile, pat, address, explain. The patronizing tone often combines slow, simplified speech with exaggerated friendliness.