patronize
/'pætrənaiz/ Cách viết khác : (patronize) /'pætrənaiz/
Definition
- Verb:
- To be a regular customer or client of a business: To frequently visit and purchase from a particular store, restaurant, or establishment, providing it with regular financial support.
- To treat someone with an air of superiority; to be condescending: To behave in a way that shows you consider yourself more intelligent, important, or cultured than the person you are speaking to or dealing with.
- To support or sponsor an activity, cause, or organization: To provide financial or other backing, often as a patron.
Examples of Usage
- Verb (as a customer):
- We patronize this local bookstore to support small businesses.
- She patronizes the same café every morning for coffee.
- Verb (to be condescending):
- He has a tendency to patronize his younger colleagues, explaining simple concepts as if they were children.
- Don't patronize me; I understand the instructions perfectly well.
- Verb (to sponsor):
- A wealthy benefactor agreed to patronize the new art exhibition.
Advanced Usage
- "to patronize someone": This almost always carries the negative connotation of speaking or behaving in a condescending manner.
- Her tone was meant to be helpful, but it came across as patronizing.
- "to patronize an establishment": This is a formal or business-oriented way to say you are a regular customer.
- The restaurant relies on locals who patronize it weekly.
Variants and Related Words
- Patron (n): A person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, cause, or activity. Also, a regular customer of a store, restaurant, etc.
- She is a patron of the arts.
- The bar was full of its usual patrons.
- Patronizing (adj): Having or showing an offensively condescending manner.
- His patronizing smile made her feel incompetent.
- Patronage (n): The support given by a patron; the regular business given to a store or other establishment by its customers.
- The museum depends on the patronage of private donors.
- Thank you for your continued patronage.
Synonyms
- Frequent (as a verb, meaning to be a regular customer):
- Condescend to:
- Sponsor:
- Support:
Related Phrasal Verbs
(Note: "Patronize" itself does not commonly form phrasal verbs. The actions are expressed through the verb with a direct object.)
Related Idioms
- Talk down to someone: To speak to someone as if they are less intelligent or knowledgeable than you are. This is a synonym for the condescending sense of "patronize."
- The manager talks down to the interns, which is very demoralizing.
Verb
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be a regular customer or client of
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We patronize this store
-
Our sponsor kept our art studio going for as long as he could
-
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treat condescendingly
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do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
-
assume sponsorship of
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