what is the difference between being patronisng and being condescending?

Answer 1

To patronise is a use of behaviour or attitude to treat others with condescension.

In other words the difference is nothing, They mean the same thing - to display arrogance by considering others inferior and dense.

Answer 2

The distinction is very very slight. For all practical purposes, the two words are used interchangeably.

However, a very careful writer or speaker might observe the following:

To "patronize" (in the negative sense; there's also a related neutral sense) is to make a show of help or support that only serves to emphasize the social or economic difference between the giver and the receiver. Correctly used, there is always an element of helping, even though it may be hypocritical or demeaning.

Example of patronizing:
"What an entrepeneur you are, young miss, setting up your own lemonade stand like that! (By the way, it's spelled a-d-e.) Why, you'll be a Rockefeller in no time! Here's a dime to help you out. Oh, no -- I don't want any of your no-doubt-delicious libation, I just want to reward your enterprise."

To "condescend" is to interrupt one's customary activities so as to pay some slight attention to a person of inferior class. There need not be any element of helping. (There is also a related neutral meaning of the word that is rarely used nowadays, but not uncommon in literature of the 18th and 19th centuries.)

Example of condescending:
"You know, Buffy, on our way to the fundraiser tonight, let's have Geoffrey spin us past Overlook Hill so we can take a look at the whatzis project on our way there. That way, we can speak knowledgeably if anyone should bring up the topic of urban blight. What say?"

Answer 3

Patronising is one of those words that has changed its meaning for the worse. In days gone by an artist or musician would seek a 'patron' who would support him (or her) financially, there being though nothing wrong on either side. One man had wealth and it was worthy to support the arts. Now, of course, it has overtones of having a superior manner, and indeed, Collins shows it as a synonym for the other word you ask about 'condescending'. Of course, that word has also lost its more pleasant meaning of acting graciously towards someone perceived as being of lower rank (also Collins)

Answer 4

The answer lies in the derivation of the words.
'Patronise' derives from 'patron or patre' which basically means 'father or father figure'. So patronising is trying to be fatherly in the sense of passing on knowledge or educating ones underlings.

'condescending' derives from 'descend'. So condescending means lowering oneself to speak in a way that will be pleasing to the hearer, although one might not really believe in what one is saying.

Answer 5

My dear boy, what a simple little chap your are....
Try looking them up in a good English Dictionary


I would just like to point out to the illiterate little morons that gave me the thumbs down that I gave a very good example of patronising and condescending in one sentience.....
YOU pare of sad little jerks

Answer 6

same thing