Patron: meaning, definitions and examples

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patron

[ˈpeɪtrən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

customer

A person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, cause, or activity.

Synonyms

benefactor, sponsor, supporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
patron	Used to refer to a regular customer at a place like a restaurant or a shop, or someone who supports an artist, writer, or organization regularly. He is a regular patron at the local bookstore. She became a patron of the arts by donating to the gallery every month.
sponsor	Refers to a person or organization that pays for or supports an event, activity, or person in exchange for advertising or visibility. The marathon was a success thanks to the generous sponsors. The television show has several corporate sponsors.
supporter	Used to describe someone who helps or believes in a cause, person, or organization, typically through advocacy, volunteer work, or small donations. She is a strong supporter of environmental causes. The politician's supporters gathered for a rally.
benefactor	Describes someone who gives money or help to a person or an organization, often involved in philanthropy or charitable giving. The university received a large donation from an anonymous benefactor. Thanks to the benefactor’s generosity, the hospital was able to open a new wing.

Examples of usage

He is a generous patron of the arts.
The library relies on the support of patrons to stay open.
She became a patron of the charity after her daughter's illness.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

client

A person who uses a particular shop, hotel, restaurant, or other business regularly.

Synonyms

client, customer, visitor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
patron	Usually used to describe someone who supports an establishment, artist, or organization regularly, often financially. This word often implies a certain level of loyalty or ongoing support. She has been a patron of the arts for decades. The library relies on its patrons for donations.
customer	Used for someone who buys goods or services from a store or business. The term is general and can be used in most commercial contexts without implying a long-term relationship. The customer bought a new laptop from the electronics store. Good customer service is key to business success.
client	Typically refers to someone who uses professional services, such as those provided by lawyers, consultants, or financial advisors. The relationship can be more formal and ongoing. The lawyer met with her client to discuss the case. The consulting firm has dozens of corporate clients.
visitor	Refers to someone who is temporarily at a place, such as a tourist spot, a friend's home, or an office. It does not necessarily imply any transaction or commercial relationship. The museum had over a hundred visitors today. Visitors are welcome in the office between 9 AM and 5 PM.

Examples of usage

The restaurant's patrons were loyal customers who visited every week.
The hotel's patrons were mostly tourists.
The shop's patrons appreciated the high-quality products.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

saint

A particular saint who is considered to be a special guardian or protector of a particular place, activity, person, or group.

Synonyms

advocate, guardian, protector.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
patron	Use for a person who gives financial support to an institution or individual, often in the arts or education. This term can also refer to a frequent customer of a business. She was a patron of the local theater, funding numerous productions. He is a regular patron of the coffee shop down the street.
guardian	Best used to describe a person legally responsible for someone else's care, especially a minor. It can also refer to someone who protects or defends a particular aspect of life. As her legal guardian, he made all important decisions regarding her education. Guardians of the forest work to preserve wildlife and natural resources.
protector	Often used for someone who defends or shields others from harm or danger. Can be personal, such as in a family, or more general, like a government institution. He was always his younger sister's protector on the playground. The organization acts as a protector of consumer rights.
advocate	Suitable for someone who actively supports or argues for a cause, policy, or group, often related to social or political issues. She is an advocate for women's rights. He has been a strong advocate of environmental protection for years.

Examples of usage

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.
St. George is the patron saint of England.
The patron saint of musicians is St. Cecilia.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'patronus', meaning protector or benefactor.
In ancient Rome, patrons provided financial support to clients (less wealthy individuals) in exchange for loyalty.
Over time, the use of 'patron' has evolved to refer not only to benefactors but also to patrons of the arts and culture.

Art and Culture

Historically, many famous artists gained support from wealthy patrons, such as Michelangelo and the Medici family in Renaissance Florence.
Patrons have been instrumental in the creation and preservation of art, funding everything from operas to sculptures.
Modern art institutions often rely on patrons to fund exhibitions and educational programs, continuing the tradition of support.

Business and Economy

In contemporary contexts, businesses may refer to customers as 'patrons', especially in the hospitality industry.
A 'patronage system' can refer to the practice of providing favors and business support to friends or political allies.
The term is also used in non-profit sectors, where organizations seek patrons to help fund their missions.

Historical Context

Throughout history, many institutions (like libraries and museums) have depended on patronage from the wealthy, shaping cultural landscapes.
During the Enlightenment, patrons supported philosophers and scientists, advancing knowledge and innovation.
Patrons played a crucial role in the evolution of music, with composers often relying on wealthy sponsors for their livelihoods.

Psychology

The concept of patronage ties into theories of social exchange, where individuals provide support in return for benefits.
Patron relationships can create a sense of obligation, potentially impacting the dynamics between benefactors and beneficiaries.
Understanding the psychology behind being a patron can reveal motivations such as desire for legacy, influence, or social status.

Translations

Translations of the word "patron" in other languages:

🇵🇹 patrono

🇮🇳 संरक्षक

🇩🇪 Schirmherr

🇮🇩 pelindung

🇺🇦 покровитель

🇵🇱 patron

🇯🇵 守護者 (しゅごしゃ, shugosha)

🇫🇷 patron

🇪🇸 patrón

🇹🇷 koruyucu

🇰🇷 후원자 (huwonja)

🇸🇦 راعٍ (ra'i)

🇨🇿 patron

🇸🇰 patrón

🇨🇳 赞助人 (zànzhùrén)

🇸🇮 patron

🇮🇸 verndari

🇰🇿 қамқоршы

🇬🇪 მფარველი (mfarveli)

🇦🇿 himayədar

🇲🇽 patrón

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,408 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
7405 fairness
7406 genre
7407 procession
7408 patron
7409 garage
7410 hardship
7411 hesitated
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