verb
C2
Proficient
patronize
PAYT-ruh-nyz
Patronize (verb) means to talk to someone in a way that shows you think you are smarter or better than them. Example: “He tends to patronize new employees instead of just answering their questions.”
verb
1
To talk to someone in a way that shows you think you are smarter or better than them.
"He tends to patronize new employees instead of just answering their questions."
"Please don't patronize me — I understand the risks perfectly well."
2
To be a regular customer of a business.
"The family has patronized the same bakery for three generations."
How to use patronize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsually means talking down to someone as if they're less capable or less intelligent; less commonly, it means being a regular customer somewhere.
Common mistake
The negative "talk down to" sense is by far the more common one today; the neutral "be a customer of" sense can read as old-fashioned.
Common pairings
patronize customers
don't patronize me
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like patronize.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- patronizes
- Past tense
- patronized
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He tends to _____ new employees instead of just answering their questions.
Etymology
From patron plus -ize.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for patronize
See all rhymes for patronize →Frequently asked questions
What does “patronize” mean?
The word “patronize” means to talk to someone in a way that shows you think you are smarter or better than them. In plain terms, usually means talking down to someone as if they're less capable or less intelligent; less commonly, it means being a regular customer somewhere.
How do you pronounce “patronize”?
“Patronize” is pronounced PAYT-ruh-nyz (/ˈpeɪtɹənaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “patronize” in a sentence?
Here is “patronize” used in a sentence: “He tends to patronize new employees instead of just answering their questions.”
What part of speech is “patronize”?
“Patronize” is a verb.
How many meanings does “patronize” have?
“Patronize” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to talk to someone in a way that shows you think you are smarter or better than them.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include patronize:
