Patronize: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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