patronize

Patronize means to be a regular customer of a business.

(verb)

An example of patronize is going to a specific café every morning.

The definition of patronize is to be kind or helpful to someone, but to talk to them as if they are inferior.

(verb)

An example of patronize is when someone speaks slowly to an older person who can hear perfectly well.

To patronize is defined as to support someone or something.

(verb)

An example of patronize is when a wealthy person funds the work of an artist.

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See patronize in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb patronized, patronizing

  1. to act as a patron toward; sponsor; support
  2. to be kind or helpful to, but in a haughty or snobbish way, as if dealing with an inferior
  3. to be a regular customer of (a store, merchant, etc.)

See patronize in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb pa·tron·ized, pa·tron·iz·ing, pa·tron·iz·es
  1. To act as a patron to; support or sponsor.
  2. To go to as a customer, especially on a regular basis.
  3. To treat in a condescending manner.

Related Forms:

  • paˌtron·i·zaˈtion (-trə-nĭ-zāˈshən) noun
  • paˈtron·izˌing·ly adverb

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