Patronize vs Patronage: Deciding Between Similar Terms

Are you confused about the difference between the words patronize and patronage? You’re not alone. Many people use these words interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between patronize and patronage, and help you understand when to use each one.

Let’s clarify the meanings of these two words. Patronize means to treat someone condescendingly or with an air of superiority, or to support a business or organization by being a customer or client. Patronage, on the other hand, refers to the support or sponsorship of an individual or organization, often by a wealthy or influential person.

So, which of these words is the “proper” one to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. If you’re talking about supporting a business or organization, then patronize is the correct word to use. However, if you’re talking about supporting an individual or organization through financial or other means, then patronage is the more appropriate term.

Now that we’ve cleared up the confusion between these two words, let’s dive deeper into their meanings and usage. In the following sections, we’ll explore the different contexts in which patronize and patronage are used, and provide examples to help you understand how to use each word correctly.

Define Patronize

Patronize is a verb that can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. One of the most common meanings is to be a customer of a particular business or establishment. When someone patronizes a business, they are giving it their custom or financial support. For example, if someone says they patronize a specific coffee shop, it means they are a regular customer of that coffee shop.

Another meaning of patronize is to talk down to someone or treat them as if they are inferior. This can be done intentionally or unintentionally, but it is generally considered rude or condescending. For example, if someone speaks slowly and uses simple words when talking to someone they perceive as less intelligent, they are patronizing that person.

Define Patronage

Patronage is a noun that refers to the support or financial assistance given to an individual or organization. This support can take many forms, including financial contributions, gifts, or endorsements. In some cases, patronage can also refer to the practice of giving jobs or other benefits to supporters or friends, regardless of their qualifications.

In the arts, patronage has historically played a significant role. Patrons have supported artists, musicians, and writers throughout history, providing them with the financial means to create their work. In return, patrons often receive recognition or prestige for their support.

Patronage can also refer to the act of being a patron, or the relationship between a patron and the person or organization they support. This relationship can be formal or informal and can involve a wide range of activities, from financial support to mentoring or advice.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Proper usage of words is crucial in effective communication. Using the right words in a sentence can make a significant difference in how the message is perceived. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “patronize” and “patronage” correctly in a sentence.

How To Use Patronize In A Sentence

The word “patronize” has different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are some examples of how to use “patronize” in a sentence:

• When used in a negative sense, “patronize” means to talk down to someone or treat them as inferior. For example, “I don’t appreciate it when you patronize me.”
• When used in a positive sense, “patronize” means to support or be a customer of a business or organization. For example, “I like to patronize local businesses.”
• When used in a neutral sense, “patronize” means to visit or frequent a place. For example, “I like to patronize this coffee shop.”

It is important to note that in the negative sense, “patronize” can be offensive and condescending. It is best to avoid using it in this way.

How To Use Patronage In A Sentence

The word “patronage” refers to the support or encouragement of a person, organization, or cause. Here are some examples of how to use “patronage” in a sentence:

• “The artist was grateful for the patronage of the wealthy family.”
• “The politician relied on the patronage of his supporters.”
• “The museum’s exhibits are made possible by the patronage of its donors.”

As you can see, “patronage” is often used in a positive sense to indicate support or endorsement. It is a more formal word than “patronize” and is typically used in professional or academic settings.

More Examples Of Patronize & Patronage Used In Sentences

In order to further understand the difference between “patronize” and “patronage,” let’s take a look at some examples of how these words are used in sentences.

Examples Of Using Patronize In A Sentence

• She felt insulted when he spoke to her in a patronizing tone.
• He would often patronize the local coffee shop on his way to work.
• The politician tried to patronize the voters with his empty promises.
• She refused to patronize the store after they mistreated her friend.
• He didn’t want to patronize the expensive restaurant, so he opted for fast food instead.
• She felt like the salesperson was patronizing her by assuming she didn’t know anything about cars.
• He didn’t want to patronize the new gym until he heard some positive reviews.
• She didn’t appreciate his attempt to patronize her by explaining something she already knew.
• He didn’t want to patronize the charity event because he didn’t agree with their cause.
• She felt like her coworkers were patronizing her when they gave her easy tasks to complete.

Examples Of Using Patronage In A Sentence

• The artist’s success was due to the patronage of a wealthy family.
• The company relied on the patronage of loyal customers to stay in business.
• She was grateful for the patronage of her mentor, who helped her get her start in the industry.
• The museum’s exhibitions were made possible by the patronage of generous donors.
• The theater company’s productions were funded by the patronage of local businesses.
• He was proud to be a part of the patronage that supported the local arts scene.
• The restaurant’s success was due to the patronage of food critics and bloggers.
• The university’s research was made possible by the patronage of government grants.
• She was honored to receive the patronage of a prestigious foundation for her work in the field.
• The musician’s career was launched thanks to the patronage of a famous producer.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to the words patronize and patronage, many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is not correct usage and can lead to misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Patronize” To Mean “Support”

One common mistake people make is using the word “patronize” to mean “support.” For example, someone might say “I like to patronize local businesses” when they really mean “I like to support local businesses.” This mistake can be confusing because “patronize” actually has a negative connotation, meaning to talk down to someone or treat them as inferior.

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to use the word “support” when you mean to show encouragement or financial backing for a cause or business.

Using “Patronage” To Mean “Customer Base”

Another common mistake is using the word “patronage” to mean “customer base.” For example, someone might say “Our store has a loyal patronage” when they really mean “Our store has a loyal customer base.” This mistake can be confusing because “patronage” actually refers to the support or sponsorship of an individual or organization.

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to use the word “customer base” when referring to the group of people who regularly purchase goods or services from a business.

Offering Patronage As A Favor

Finally, some people may offer “patronage” as a favor to someone, when in fact it is not a favor at all. For example, someone might say “I will offer you my patronage” when they really mean “I will support your business.” This mistake can be confusing because “patronage” implies a relationship of power and influence, rather than a simple act of support.

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to use the word “support” when you want to offer encouragement or financial backing to someone or their business.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you are using the words “patronize” and “patronage” correctly and effectively. Remember to use “support” when you mean to show encouragement or financial backing, and “customer base” when referring to the group of people who regularly purchase goods or services from a business.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words patronize and patronage, the context in which they are used plays a crucial role. Both words have different meanings and connotations, and using them interchangeably can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Patronize

The word patronize is often used to describe the act of supporting or being a customer of a business or organization. It can also mean to treat someone in a condescending manner, which can be seen as rude or offensive in certain contexts. For example:

• She decided to patronize the local bookstore instead of ordering online.
• He felt insulted when his boss patronized him in front of his colleagues.

In these examples, the word patronize is used to describe different actions and behaviors, depending on the context in which it is used.

Patronage

The word patronage, on the other hand, refers to the support or sponsorship of an individual or organization. It can also refer to the practice of giving jobs or other favors to friends or supporters, which can be seen as nepotism in certain contexts. For example:

• The artist’s work received patronage from a wealthy collector.
• The mayor was accused of using patronage to fill city jobs with his friends and family.

Again, the word patronage has different meanings and connotations depending on the context in which it is used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between patronize and patronage might change:

Context	Word Choice	Example
Business	Patronize	She decided to patronize the local coffee shop instead of going to a chain.
Art	Patronage	The museum’s exhibit was made possible thanks to the patronage of a wealthy donor.
Politics	Patronage	The governor was criticized for using patronage to appoint unqualified individuals to important positions.

As these examples show, the choice between patronize and patronage depends on the context in which they are used. It is important to understand the nuances of each word in order to use them effectively and avoid confusion.

Exceptions To The Rules

While there are general rules for using patronize and patronage, there are exceptions where these rules might not apply. In these cases, it is important to understand the context in which these words are being used.

Exception 1: Positive Connotation

One exception to the rule is when patronize is used in a positive context. While typically used negatively, patronize can also be used to describe a situation where someone is supporting and encouraging a business or organization. For example, “I like to patronize local businesses to support my community.” In this case, patronize is being used positively to express support for local businesses.

Exception 2: Historical Context

Another exception to the rule is when patronage is used in a historical context. Patronage was once a common practice in the arts, where wealthy individuals would support artists by commissioning works of art. In this context, patronage has a positive connotation and is seen as a way of supporting the arts. For example, “The Renaissance was a time of great patronage, with wealthy families commissioning works of art from famous artists.”

Exception 3: Regional Differences

There are also regional differences in the use of patronize and patronage. In British English, patronize is often used in a positive context to mean “to support.” For example, “I like to patronize my local pub.” However, in American English, patronize is typically used negatively to mean “to talk down to.” For example, “Don’t patronize me, I know what I’m doing.” In this case, it is important to understand the regional differences in order to use these words correctly.

Exception 4: Industry-specific Jargon

In some industries, patronize and patronage have specific meanings that differ from their general usage. For example, in the hospitality industry, patronage refers to the number of customers who visit a restaurant or hotel. In this context, patronage has a neutral connotation and is simply a metric used to measure business performance. Similarly, in the arts industry, patronize can refer to the act of becoming a patron of a particular artist or organization. In this context, patronize has a positive connotation and is seen as a way of supporting the arts.

Summary of Exceptions

Exception	Explanation	Example
Positive Connotation	Patronize can be used positively to describe supporting a business or organization	“I like to patronize local businesses to support my community.”
Historical Context	Patronage has a positive connotation when used in a historical context, such as the arts	“The Renaissance was a time of great patronage, with wealthy families commissioning works of art from famous artists.”
Regional Differences	There are regional differences in the use of patronize and patronage, particularly between British and American English	“I like to patronize my local pub” (British English) vs “Don’t patronize me, I know what I’m doing” (American English)
Industry-Specific Jargon	Patronage and patronize have specific meanings in certain industries, such as hospitality and the arts	“The hotel’s patronage has been steadily increasing over the past year.”

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of patronize and patronage is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises that you can try:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either patronize or patronage:

1. She didn’t want to __________ the local businesses, so she always made an effort to shop locally.
2. The wealthy businessman was known for his __________ of the arts, and he donated millions of dollars to museums and galleries.
3. He didn’t like the way the salesperson was __________ him, so he decided to leave the store.
4. The restaurant had a reputation for __________ its customers, so many people chose to eat elsewhere.

Answer Key:

• patronize
• patronage
• patronizing
• patronizing

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:

1. Her __________ of the local theater helped keep it open during tough times.
1. patronize
2. patronage
2. He didn’t like the way the salesperson was __________ him.
1. patronize
2. patronage
3. The wealthy businessman was known for his __________ of the arts.
1. patronize
2. patronage

Answer Key:

1. b
2. a
3. b

Exercise 3: Writing Sentences

Write a sentence using each of the following words:

1. patronize
2. patronage

Answer Key:

1. She didn’t want to patronize the big chain stores, so she always made an effort to shop locally.
2. The museum was able to stay open thanks to the generous patronage of a local philanthropist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between patronize and patronage is crucial for effective communication and avoiding misunderstandings.

The key takeaways from this article are:

• Patronize has negative connotations and refers to talking down to someone or treating them as inferior.
• Patronage has positive connotations and refers to supporting or promoting someone or something.
• Using the wrong word can lead to unintended offense or confusion.

It’s important to be mindful of the words we use and the meanings behind them. Improving our grammar and language use can help us communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Continuing to learn about grammar and language use can be beneficial for both personal and professional growth. There are many resources available, such as online courses, books, and workshops. By investing in our language skills, we can improve our communication and build stronger relationships with others.