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Patronize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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patronize

[ˈpeɪ.trə.naɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a restaurant

Treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority. To talk to someone in a way that shows you believe you are more intelligent or better than other people.

Synonyms

condescend, look down on, talk down to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patronize

This word can have two meanings. In one sense, it means to be a customer of a business. In another sense, often used negatively, it means to treat someone in a way that shows you believe you are more intelligent or better than them.

  • Many people patronize this local coffee shop. He tends to patronize his younger colleagues, making them feel inferior.
condescend

This word is often used negatively. It means to behave towards others as if they are less important or less intelligent than you. It suggests a belief in one's own superiority.

  • She was unwilling to condescend to speak to the new intern. His tone was extremely condescending, which annoyed everyone.
look down on

This phrase means to think of someone or something as inferior or less worthy. It is often used to describe snobbish or judgmental attitudes.

  • They tend to look down on people from different backgrounds. She looks down on anyone who doesn't have a college degree.
talk down to

This phrase means to speak to someone in a way that shows you think they are not as smart or important as you. It often involves a patronizing tone.

  • Don't talk down to me; I understand the problem perfectly well. He talks down to anyone who disagrees with him.

Examples of usage

  • I hated being patronized and pitied by those who were meant to be helping me.
  • He couldn't help patronizing his nephew.
  • She felt patronized by the sales assistant.
Context #2 | Verb

to be a customer

Frequent (a store, theater, restaurant, or other establishment) as a customer.

Synonyms

frequent, shop at, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patronize

Can mean to support or regularly go to a business, but also has a negative connotation when it implies treating someone with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority.

  • He tends to patronize the small bakery nearby
  • She felt offended when he patronized her with that condescending tone
frequent

Used when talking about visiting a place often or regularly, such as a store, restaurant, or event.

  • She frequents the local coffee shop every morning
  • We frequent the library every weekend
support

Used to show that you provide help or patronage to a business, person, or cause. It goes beyond just visiting or buying; it implies a deeper level of endorsement.

  • They support local farmers by buying produce from them
  • It's important to support small businesses in the community
shop at

Informal and straightforward way to talk about buying things from a specific store.

  • I usually shop at the supermarket down the street
  • We shop at the big mall during the holidays

Examples of usage

  • She was a regular customer, patronizing the same restaurant every week.
  • The locals patronize the neighborhood shops.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In many stories, characters who patronize others often create conflict, highlighting themes of power dynamics.
  • Famous works like 'Pride and Prejudice' showcase how patronizing attitudes can reveal a lot about a character's personality and class.

Psychology

  • People tend to patronize others when they feel insecure about their own knowledge or status.
  • Patronizing behavior can lead to feelings of resentment and decreased motivation in those who are being spoken down to.
  • Understanding the psychological roots of condescending behavior can help in improving communication.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, the 'wise mentor' trope often toes the line between helpfulness and patronizing behavior.
  • Television shows often use patronizing characters for comic relief, highlighting their flaws and misunderstandings.

Social Dynamics

  • Patronizing attitudes can signify a power imbalance in relationships, whether in personal or professional settings.
  • Communicating in a patronizing way can unintentionally alienate others and damage rapport.

Origin of 'patronize'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'patronus', meaning 'protector' or 'parent'.
  • Initially, it referred to a person who supports or gives money to another, often in a charitable way.
  • Over time, the meaning shifted to include a condescending tone when offering help.

The word 'patronize' originated from the Latin word 'patronus', which means 'protector or supporter'. The English word 'patronize' initially had a positive connotation of providing support or sponsorship. However, over time, it has acquired a negative sense of condescension or treating someone with a perceived superiority.

See also: patronage, patrons.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,493, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.