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Patronage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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patronage

[ˈpeɪtrənɪdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

support

The support, encouragement, or protection given by a patron.

Synonyms

aid, backing, sponsorship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patronage

Used when referring to the support given, often financially, by someone in a higher position or status; can sometimes have a negative connotation implying superiority.

  • The artist received patronage from the wealthy noble.
  • Under the senator's patronage, numerous cultural projects were launched.
sponsorship

Used when referring to financial support provided for a project, event or person, often in return for promotion or advertisement.

  • The sports event received sponsorship from several major companies.
  • The musician's tour was made possible through sponsorship by a local business.
backing

Used when referring to support, especially financial or authoritative, typically provided by an individual or organization that can influence the outcome.

  • The new startup was successful thanks to the backing of several investors.
  • She secured backing from the committee for her new proposal.
aid

Used when referring to help or assistance, particularly in a practical or financial sense; often used in humanitarian or emergency contexts.

  • The government provided aid to the victims of the hurricane.
  • Medical aid was sent to the remote village.

Examples of usage

  • The artist relied on the patronage of wealthy art collectors to fund his work.
  • The restaurant thrived thanks to the patronage of loyal customers.
Context #2 | Noun

customers

The power to control appointments to office or the right to privileges.

Synonyms

cronyism, favoritism, nepotism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patronage

Used when describing the support provided by a patron, such as a benefactor, towards a person, organization, or cause. It is often neutral but can have a slightly negative connotation if the support seems unfair.

  • The artist's career flourished under the patronage of a wealthy noble
  • The company secured the project through the patronage of influential politicians
favoritism

Applied broadly to situations where someone shows unfair preference towards a person or group over others. This term often carries a negative implication.

  • The teacher was accused of favoritism when she gave extra points to students on the soccer team
  • Workplace favoritism can lead to decreased morale among employees
nepotism

Refers to the practice of giving jobs or advantages to relatives, often within a business or political context. This is considered negative as it undermines merit and fairness.

  • The CEO's decision to appoint his nephew to a senior position was widely considered an act of nepotism
  • Nepotism in politics can damage public trust in government institutions
cronyism

Used specifically to describe the practice of favoring close friends, especially in political contexts. This term has a negative connotation as it implies corruption or unfair advantage.

  • The administration faced allegations of cronyism after several unqualified friends were appointed to key positions
  • Many believe that the corporation's success is a result of cronyism rather than merit

Examples of usage

  • The political party rewarded its loyal followers with patronage appointments.
  • The monarch used patronage to reward supporters with titles and lands.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art & Culture

  • Throughout history, many famous artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, received patronage from wealthy families like the Medici in Florence.
  • In the 18th century, patronage began to expand beyond the elite, allowing more artists to reach wider audiences.
  • Modern crowdfunding platforms can be seen as a new form of patronage, where anyone can support creators directly.

Economics

  • Patronage can stimulate local economies by supporting artists, which in turn can attract tourism and local spending.
  • Sponsorship and patronage often intersect in businesses where companies support events or artists for marketing benefits.
  • Research shows that increased financial support for culture and arts significantly boosts community engagement and social cohesion.

History

  • Patronage has been a driving force in the development of many artistic movements, from the Renaissance to modern art.
  • During the Renaissance, artists relied heavily on patronage from the church and wealthy individuals to fund their work and survive.
  • Political patronage has also shaped economies and societies, influencing power dynamics and governance throughout history.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that receiving patronage can enhance an artist's confidence, leading to greater creativity and innovation.
  • Individuals who are supported by patrons often feel a sense of obligation, which can influence their artistic choices and approaches.
  • Patronage dynamics can create complex relationships between benefactors and artists, affecting creative freedom and expression.

Origin of 'patronage'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'patronus', meaning 'protector' or 'sponsor'.
  • Originally, it referred to a wealthy person who helped those less fortunate by offering financial aid.
  • Over time, it has evolved to include support for various fields, including arts, music, and education.

The word 'patronage' originated from the Latin word 'patronus', which means 'protector' or 'defender'. In ancient Rome, a patronus was a wealthy and influential individual who provided support and protection to a client. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the concept of support, encouragement, or sponsorship. The idea of patronage has been prevalent throughout history, with patrons playing a significant role in supporting artists, writers, and other creatives. Today, patronage is still relevant in various fields, from the arts to politics.

See also: patronize, patrons.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,992 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.