Are you familiar with the words “patronize” and “placate”? Do you know when to use each one appropriately? If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and provide you with a clear understanding of when to use each one.
Let’s define the terms. “Patronize” means to treat someone in a condescending manner, as if they are inferior to you. On the other hand, “placate” means to soothe someone’s anger or anxiety by making concessions or giving in to their demands.
So, which word should you use in which situation? It’s important to note that these two words are not interchangeable. You should use “patronize” when you want to convey a sense of superiority or condescension, while “placate” should be used when you want to calm someone down or make them feel better.
Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll delve deeper into the nuances of these two words and provide you with examples of how to use them effectively in your writing.
Define Patronize
Patronize is a verb that means to treat someone with apparent kindness, but in a way that shows a feeling of superiority. It can also mean to frequent a particular business or establishment as a customer.
When someone patronizes another person, they may use a condescending tone or speak to them as if they are less intelligent or capable. This behavior can be seen as insulting and offensive, as it suggests that the person being patronized is inferior in some way.
For example, a salesperson may patronize a customer by assuming they don’t understand a product’s features or benefits, and explaining them in a slow and exaggerated manner.
Define Placate
Placate is a verb that means to make someone less angry or upset by doing or saying something to satisfy them. It can also mean to calm or soothe someone who is upset or anxious.
When someone placates another person, they are attempting to ease their negative emotions by acknowledging their concerns and taking steps to address them. This behavior can be seen as empathetic and supportive, as it shows a willingness to listen and respond to the other person’s needs.
For example, a manager may placate an upset employee by listening to their complaints, acknowledging their frustrations, and offering solutions to address their concerns.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence can make a significant impact on the message you are trying to convey. Two words that are often confused are patronize and placate. Understanding the difference between these words can help you communicate your message more effectively.
How To Use Patronize In A Sentence
The word patronize has two distinct meanings. The first is to be a regular customer of a business or establishment. For example:
- I patronize my local coffee shop every morning.
- She patronizes the same hair salon every month.
The second meaning of patronize is to treat someone with condescension or superiority. For example:
- Don’t patronize me, I know what I’m doing.
- He felt patronized by his boss’s tone of voice.
When using patronize in a sentence, it is essential to consider the context and which meaning is appropriate.
How To Use Placate In A Sentence
The word placate means to appease or pacify someone, often by making concessions or giving in to their demands. For example:
- The manager placated the angry customer by offering a refund.
- She tried to placate her boss by working overtime.
Placate is often used in situations where there is conflict or tension, and someone is trying to calm the situation. It is essential to use placate in a sentence when you want to convey the idea of making peace or calming someone down.
Overall, using patronize and placate correctly can help you communicate your message more effectively and avoid confusion. By understanding the meanings of these words and using them appropriately, you can ensure that your message is clear and concise.
More Examples Of Patronize & Placate Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the differences between the words “patronize” and “placate,” it is helpful to see them used in context. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in a sentence:
Examples Of Using Patronize In A Sentence
- She spoke to the child in a patronizing tone.
- He always talks down to his employees, treating them as if they are beneath him.
- The politician’s speech was full of patronizing remarks about the intelligence of the audience.
- She offered to help, but her patronizing attitude made it clear that she thought she was better than us.
- He patted her on the head in a patronizing way, as if she were a child.
- She rolled her eyes and gave me a patronizing smile.
- He spoke slowly and used small words, as if he were patronizing me.
- She praised me for doing a good job, but her patronizing tone made it clear that she didn’t really mean it.
- He treated me like a helpless child, always trying to protect me and make decisions for me.
- She acted as if she were doing me a favor by allowing me to speak to her.
Examples Of Using Placate In A Sentence
- The company tried to placate the angry customers by offering them a discount.
- He brought her flowers to placate her after their argument.
- The government promised to take action in order to placate the protesters.
- She apologized profusely, hoping to placate her friend’s hurt feelings.
- He offered to buy her a new car in order to placate her after he crashed her old one.
- The manager tried to placate the upset employee by listening to his concerns and offering solutions.
- She promised to make it up to him in order to placate his disappointment.
- He agreed to compromise in order to placate his wife’s concerns.
- The teacher gave the students extra credit in order to placate their complaints about the difficult exam.
- The parents gave in to their child’s demands in order to placate his tantrum.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to communication, choosing the right words is crucial to convey the intended meaning accurately. Two words that are often used interchangeably, but have very different meanings, are patronize and placate. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:
Using Patronize Instead Of Placate
One of the most common mistakes people make is using patronize instead of placate. Patronize means to treat someone with apparent kindness, but with a condescending attitude. It can be seen as belittling or insulting. On the other hand, placate means to appease or pacify someone by making concessions or giving in to their demands.
For example, if someone is upset with you, saying “Don’t worry, I understand how you feel” can be seen as patronizing. Instead, you could say “I’m sorry, I understand why you’re upset, and I’ll do what I can to make it right” to placate them.
Using Placate Instead Of Patronize
Another common mistake is using placate instead of patronize. Placate implies that you are giving in to someone’s demands or desires, even if they are unreasonable or harmful. In contrast, patronize implies that you are being insincere or dismissive of someone’s concerns or opinions.
For instance, if someone is expressing their opinion on a topic, saying “I understand your point of view, but you’re not really qualified to make that decision” can be seen as patronizing. Instead, you could say “I understand your point of view, but here are some other factors to consider” to avoid patronizing them.
How To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these mistakes, it’s important to understand the differences between patronize and placate. Take the time to think about the meaning of each word before using it in a sentence. If you’re not sure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure you’re using the right word for the situation.
- Don’t use patronize when you mean placate.
- Don’t use placate when you mean patronize.
- Think carefully about the meaning of each word before using it.
- Consult a dictionary or thesaurus if you’re not sure which word to use.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words patronize and placate, context is key. Both words have similar meanings, but the nuances of their usage can vary depending on the situation.
Patronize
Patronize can be used in a positive or negative sense. In a positive sense, it means to support or encourage someone or something. For example, “I always try to patronize local businesses.” In a negative sense, it means to treat someone as if they are inferior or less intelligent. For example, “Don’t patronize me, I know what I’m doing.”
Placate
Placate, on the other hand, is typically used in a negative sense. It means to appease someone or calm them down by giving in to their demands or desires. For example, “I had to placate my angry boss by promising to work overtime.”
The choice between patronize and placate can depend on the context in which they are used. Here are some examples:
Context: Customer Service
- If a customer is upset, it might be more appropriate to placate them by offering a discount or refund.
- If a customer is asking for help, it might be more appropriate to patronize them by offering guidance and support.
Context: Personal Relationships
- If a friend is going through a tough time, it might be more appropriate to patronize them by offering emotional support and encouragement.
- If a family member is angry with you, it might be more appropriate to placate them by apologizing and making amends.
Context: Work Environment
- If a coworker is struggling with a task, it might be more appropriate to patronize them by offering helpful suggestions and guidance.
- If a boss is angry with you, it might be more appropriate to placate them by acknowledging their concerns and offering a solution.
As you can see, the choice between patronize and placate can vary depending on the context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the nuances of each word and choose the one that best fits the situation at hand.
Exceptions To The Rules
While patronize and placate are generally used in specific contexts, there are some exceptions where the rules for using these words might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:
1. Positive Connotations
Although patronize is often used in a negative way, there are some situations where it can have a positive connotation. For example, when someone is a patron of the arts, it means they are a supporter or sponsor of artists or artistic endeavors. In this case, patronize is used in a positive way to indicate that someone is providing financial or other support to help artists.
2. Tone And Context
The tone and context in which patronize and placate are used can also affect their meaning. For instance, if someone says “I don’t mean to patronize you, but…” before giving advice, it can be seen as a way of acknowledging that the other person is capable but offering help nonetheless. Similarly, placate can be used in a positive way to indicate that someone is trying to calm down a situation or diffuse a conflict.
3. Cultural Differences
It’s also important to note that the meanings of patronize and placate can vary depending on cultural differences. For example, in some cultures, it may be seen as a sign of respect to placate someone in a position of authority, while in others, it may be seen as a sign of weakness. Similarly, the connotations of patronize may vary depending on cultural norms and values.
4. Personal Interpretation
Finally, it’s worth noting that the meanings of patronize and placate can also be subject to personal interpretation. What one person sees as patronizing or placating may not be viewed in the same way by someone else. It’s important to be aware of this and to consider the context and tone in which these words are being used.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of patronize and placate is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises that can help:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blanks
Choose the correct word (patronize or placate) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:
- When the customer complained about the service, the manager tried to _______ her by offering a discount.
- He didn’t realize that his tone of voice sounded _______ when he spoke to his colleague.
- She didn’t want to _______ her friend by pretending to like her new haircut.
- The politician tried to _______ the voters by promising to lower taxes.
Answer key:
- placate
- patronizing
- patronize
- placate
Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Word
Read each sentence below and identify whether the correct word is patronize or placate:
| Sentence | Correct Word |
|---|---|
| The salesperson spoke to the customer in a condescending tone. | patronize |
| The manager offered the upset customer a free meal. | placate |
| She tried to make her friend feel better by complimenting her outfit. | placate |
| He talked to his colleague as if she were a child. | patronize |
Answer key:
| Sentence | Correct Word |
|---|---|
| The salesperson spoke to the customer in a condescending tone. | patronize |
| The manager offered the upset customer a free meal. | placate |
| She tried to make her friend feel better by complimenting her outfit. | placate |
| He talked to his colleague as if she were a child. | patronize |
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of patronize and placate in your writing and everyday conversations.
Conclusion
After exploring the nuances of patronize and placate, it is clear that these two words are often used interchangeably, but have distinct meanings that should be understood in order to use them correctly.
Patronize, when used in a negative context, can be condescending and dismissive, implying that the person being patronized is inferior or incapable. On the other hand, placate suggests a desire to appease or calm someone, often in a situation where there is conflict or tension.
It is important to be mindful of the connotations of these words and to choose the appropriate one depending on the situation.
As with any aspect of language use, continuing to learn and expand one’s knowledge of grammar and vocabulary is essential for effective communication.
By doing so, we can avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications, and convey our intended meaning with clarity and precision.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.