paternalistic

American  

[puh-tur-nl-is-tik] / pəˌtɜr nlˈɪs tɪk /

adjective

1. (of governance, management, or behavior) based in a system positing that authority knows best; outwardly benevolent, but often in a condescending or controlling way.

   In the paternalistic model of medicine, the doctor adopts the role of decision-maker and dictates what would be best for the patient.

   We sought a less paternalistic and more enabling role for the school board, one guided by community engagement and support.

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Other Word Forms

• paternalistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of paternalistic

paternal ( def. ) + -istic ( def. )

Example Sentences

Vanguard has historically taken a paternalistic attitude toward its clients, attempting to foster a culture of long-term investing instead of short-term speculation.

From Barron's

The document casts its criticism of Europe in an almost paternalistic tone—the kind of tough love advice one gives a friend.

From The Wall Street Journal

It said the current system requiring approval from two doctors was "anachronistic, paternalistic and failed to reflect best modern practice".

From BBC

“The evidence shows that the more a patient gets involved in their own care, the better the outcomes. In the future, primary-care doctors could act more as expert consultants rather than paternalistic bosses to patients.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“In the future, primary-care doctors could act more as expert consultants rather than paternalistic bosses to patients.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• condescending
• patronizing