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Patronize: meaning, definitions and examples

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patronize

 

[ ˈpeɪ.trə.naɪz ]

Verb
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

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

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "patronize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 patronizar

🇮🇳 संरक्षण देना

🇩🇪 schützen

🇮🇩 melindungi

🇺🇦 покровительствувати

🇵🇱 patronować

🇯🇵 保護する (ほごする)

🇫🇷 patronner

🇪🇸 patrocinar

🇹🇷 desteklemek

🇰🇷 후원하다

🇸🇦 يرعى

🇨🇿 sponzorovat

🇸🇰 sponzorovať

🇨🇳 赞助 (zànzhù)

🇸🇮 pokroviteljstvo

🇮🇸 styrkja

🇰🇿 қамқорлық көрсету

🇬🇪 მფარველობა

🇦🇿 himayə etmək

🇲🇽 patrocinar

Etymology

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.