Why does patronize have two meanings?

There's the negative and probably more common meaning of to act in a superior manner to someone, usually by superficially appearing helpful or kind. But if you patronize a business, it simply means to be a customer there, usually regularly.

What are the two meanings of patronize?

Definition of patronize

transitive verb. 1 : to act as patron of : provide aid or support for The government patronized several local artists. 2 : to adopt an air of condescension toward : treat haughtily or coolly. 3 : to be a frequent or regular customer or client of a restaurant much patronized by celebrities.

Are there two ways to pronounce patronize?

MagEditor said: In America it's "patronize," and it's genearlly pronounced "PATE-ro-nize."

Why is it called patronizing?

The base word of patronizing, patron, comes from the Latin patrōnus, meaning “legal protector” or “advocate” (patrōnus comes from the Latin pater, meaning “father”). To patronize someone in a condescending way is to treat them as if they're in need of extra help because they're not capable by themselves.

Which is correct patronize or Patronise?

verb (used with object), pa·tron·ized, pa·tron·iz·ing. to give (a store, restaurant, hotel, etc.)

? Condescend or Patronize - Condescend Meaning - Patronise Examples - Condescending vs Patronizing

What is the root of the word Patronise?

Patronize comes from Latin patronus "protector, master," related to pater "father." So if you patronize a person, you talk down to them like a father might do to his child or a master to his apprentice.

Is it correct to say patronize from me?

If someone patronizes you, they speak or behave toward you in a way that seems friendly, but that shows that they think they are superior to you in some way. Don't you patronize me!

What it means to be patronizing?

Definition of patronizing

: showing or characterized by a superior attitude towards others : marked by condescension patronizing comments No more endearing is his patronizing jocularity …—

How does it feel to be patronized?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word “patronize” as “to speak to or behave towards someone as if they are stupid or not important.” Similarly, Oxford Languages defines it as “to treat in a way that is apparently kind or helpful but that betrays a feeling of superiority.”

Is condescending and patronizing the same?

2 Answers. "Condescending" and "patronizing" are synonyms and therefore can typically be used interchangeably. Condescending - "having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority." Patronizing - "apparently kind or helpful but betraying a feeling of superiority; condescending."

Is Patronization a word?

1. Aid or support given by a patron: aegis, auspice (often used in plural), backing, patronage, sponsorship.

How do you pronounce patronize in America?

Break 'patronize' down into sounds: [PAT] + [RUH] + [NYZ] - say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them. Record yourself saying 'patronize' in full sentences, then watch yourself and listen.

What are examples of patronizing?

An example of patronize is when someone speaks slowly to an older person who can hear perfectly well. To assume a tone of unjustified superiority; to talk down to; to treat condescendingly. Patronize means to be a regular customer of a business. An example of patronize is going to a specific café every morning.

What does Patronising mean example?

adjective. If someone is patronizing, they speak or behave towards you in a way that seems friendly, but which shows that they think they are superior to you. [disapproval] The tone of the interview was unnecessarily patronizing . Synonyms: condescending, superior, stooping, lofty More Synonyms of patronizing.

What is the synonym of patronize?

verb. 1'don't patronize me! ' treat condescendingly, treat with condescension, condescend to, look down on, talk down to, put down, humiliate, treat like a child, treat as inferior, treat with disdain, treat contemptuously, treat scornfully, be snobbish to, look down one's nose at.

How do I stop patronizing people?

Can empathy be patronizing?

Empathy, defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is a beautiful thing. But when empathy misses the mark, it borders on condescending, oftentimes jumping right into the pool of patronizing.

Is my boyfriend patronizing?

The first sign of patronizing behavior is when your partner doesn't take you seriously. This is when your partner starts to behave condescendingly towards you. You see, this is when your partner starts to see you as a lesser person or inferior to them.

When was the word patronizing invented?

1580s, "to act as a patron towards, favor, assist," from patron + -ize, or from Old French patroniser. Meaning "treat in a condescending way" is attested by 1797; the sense of "give regular business to" is from 1801. Related: Patronized; patronizing; patronization.

How do you tell if someone is patronizing you?

What does stop patronizing me mean?

to speak to or behave toward someone as if they are stupid or not important: Stop patronizing me - I understand the play as well as you do.

How do you use patronizing in a sentence?

Elisabeth blew out a patronizing breath. She eyed him, not sure his patronizing tone wasn't meant to rile her. They continually referred to her by her first name without her permission, using a patronizing tone.

What is the definition for supercilious?

Definition of supercilious

: coolly and patronizingly haughty reacted to their breach of etiquette with a supercilious smile.