Patronize Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

To talk to someone as if they are less intelligent or important, in a way that is offensive. Also, to regularly use or support a business as a customer.

Usage & Nuances

Often used negatively — 'Don't patronize me!' is a common phrase. As 'patronize' also means to be a customer, context makes the meaning clear. Avoid confusing with 'support' in a positive sense. The 'talk down to' meaning is formal to neutral, while the 'be a customer' meaning is more formal/old-fashioned in modern English.

• Spanish: tratar con condescendencia - ser cliente de
• Portuguese (BR): tratar com condescendência - frequentar (como cliente)
• Portuguese (PT): tratar com condescendência - ser cliente de
• Chinese (Simplified): 居高临下地对待 - 光顾（商店、餐馆）
• Chinese (Traditional): 居高臨下地對待 - 光顧（商店、餐館）
• Hindi: घमंड से व्यवहार करना - ग्राहक बनना
• Arabic: يتعامل بتعالي - يرتاد (كمتجر أو مطعم)
• Bengali: অপমানজনকভাবে আচরণ করা - নিয়মিত গ্রাহক হওয়া
• Russian: относиться свысока - быть постоянным клиентом
• Japanese: 見下すように接する - 常連客になる
• Vietnamese: nói chuyện với thái độ bề trên - làm khách quen
• Korean: 깔보듯 대하다 - 단골이 되다
• Turkish: küçümseyerek konuşmak - müşteri olmak
• Urdu: تحقیر آمیز انداز میں بات کرنا - باقاعدہ خریدار بننا
• Indonesian: merendahkan - menjadi pelanggan tetap

Example Sentences

She tends to patronize people when she explains things, which annoys everyone.

natural

Please don't patronize me; I know what I'm doing.

basic

We always patronize the bakery on Main Street.

basic

It’s rude to patronize your classmates when they make mistakes.

basic

Tourists like to patronize local markets when they travel.

natural

“I wish you wouldn’t patronize me just because I’m new,” he said.

natural