patronage
/ˈpæt.rə.nɪdʒ/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The support given to a person, business, or group, usually by customers, clients, or powerful people. It can also mean regular buying or use of a place or service.
- The cafe depends on local patronage.
- The artist gained patronage from wealthy collectors.
- We thank you for your patronage.
Adinary Nuance
Patronage is not the same as simple help or praise. It usually means support from people who spend money, use a service, or back someone in power. It is more formal than 'support' and more specific than 'approval'.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Sự ủng hộ
- Spanish
- Patrocinio
- Chinese
- 赞助
- Japanese
- 後援
- Korean
- 후원
Etymology
From French patronage, from Latin patronus, meaning 'protector' or 'patron'. The word entered English in the late Middle Ages and kept the idea of support and protection.
Common phrases
customer patronagepolitical patronagethank you for your patronagepatronage network
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is patronage a formal word?
- Yes. It is more formal than everyday words like support or use.
- How is patronage different from sponsorship?
- Sponsorship is planned financial support. Patronage is broader and can mean regular support or custom.
- Can I use patronage for customers?
- Yes. It often means the business or custom a place gets from customers.
- Is patronage common in business writing?
- Yes. It appears often in formal business, customer service, and public writing.