patronization
Demeaning false courtesy
Patronization is the act of treating someone as inferior while appearing to be kind or helpful.
It carries the condescending sense of patronize rather than the commercial one—talking down to someone, not shopping at their store.
Her patronization of the younger employees made them resent her.
The word is relatively uncommon; the verb form patronize or the adjective patronizing usually serves better.
Higher rank or quality
- belittlementVerbal diminishing of worth
- demeaningCausing loss of respect
- infantilizingTreating as incapable
- paternalismControlling others for their good
smugness · dismissiveness · underestimating · oversimplifying · humoring · talking down · pity · sneering
One who gives aid
- philanthropyGenerous giving for others
- endowmentPermanent donated fund
- fundingSupplying monetary resources
- grantBestow or award money
backing · underwriting · donor · financier · benefaction · subsidy · investment · contributor
superiority
Higher rank or quality
- belittlementVerbal diminishing of worth
- demeaningCausing loss of respect
- infantilizingTreating as incapable
paternalism · smugness · dismissiveness · underestimating · oversimplifying · humoring · talking down · pity · sneering · haughtiness
benefactor
One who gives aid
- philanthropyGenerous giving for others
- endowmentPermanent donated fund
- fundingSupplying monetary resources
grant · backing · underwriting · donor · financier · benefaction · subsidy · investment · contributor · charity
patronizationrespect
Regard with honor
deference · reverence · admiration · high regard · appreciation
patronizationstraight talk
Honest, direct communication
candor · directness · sincerity · authenticity · forthrightness
patronizationempowerment
Gaining authority or confidence
egalitarianism · equality · mutual respect · democratization · humility
patron, patronize, patronage, patronizing, patronymic, patronized, patroness, patronizes, patronizingly