patronize

[ˈpeɪtrənaɪz]

patronize Definition

• 1. treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority
• 2. support financially
• 3. be a customer of

Using patronize: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "patronize" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I hate it when waiters patronize me.

• Example

  He patronized her by speaking slowly and using simple words.

• Example

  The wealthy family agreed to patronize the arts center.

• Example

  I always patronize local businesses when possible.

patronize Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for patronize

• support
• sponsor
• fund
• condescend to
• talk down to
• look down on
• shop at
• buy from

Antonyms for patronize

• respect
• honor
• praise
• encourage

Idioms Using patronize

• bite the hand that feeds you

  to act badly towards someone who has helped you or been kind to you

  Example

  After all the help he gave her, she really bit the hand that fed her by spreading rumors about him.

• give someone the cold shoulder

  to ignore or treat someone in an unfriendly way

  Example

  After their argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for weeks.

• put on airs

  to behave in a way that shows you think you are better than other people

  Example

  She always puts on airs when she's around people she thinks are beneath her.

Phrases with patronize

• patronizing smile

  a smile that shows someone is being condescending or treating someone else as inferior

  Example

  She gave me a patronizing smile when I asked her a question.

• patronizing tone

  a way of speaking that shows someone is being condescending or treating someone else as inferior

  Example

  I don't appreciate your patronizing tone.

• patron saint

  a saint who is considered to be a special guardian or protector of a particular place, group of people, activity, or object

  Example

  St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals.

Origins of patronize

from Old French 'patron', meaning 'protector'

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Summary: patronize in Brief

The verb 'patronize' [ˈpeɪtrənaɪz] can mean to treat someone with apparent kindness that actually conveys a sense of superiority, as in 'He patronized her by speaking slowly.' It can also mean to support financially, as in 'The wealthy family agreed to patronize the arts center,' or to be a customer of, as in 'I always patronize local businesses.' The phrase 'patronizing smile' describes a condescending facial expression, while 'patron saint' refers to a saint who is a special guardian or protector. Idioms include 'bite the hand that feeds you,' 'give someone the cold shoulder,' and 'put on airs.'