Word
patronage
Phoneticspa·tron·age, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpætɹənɪdʒ/
UK/pˈætɹənɪdʒ/
Definitions
01support for the arts
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the support, especially financial, that a wealthy person or group gives to an artist, musician, or charity.
n. the financial support or social influence provided by a patron to an individual, organisation, or cause, historically central to the arts.
“The museum was built thanks to the generous patronage of a local family.”
“Without the continued patronage of the royal family, many of the era's most significant composers would have lacked the resources to complete their masterpieces.”
Synonyms
02business from customers
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the support you give to a shop, hotel, or restaurant by being a regular customer there.
n. the support or custom provided by a regular client base; the collective body of customers (clientele).
“The restaurant thanked its loyal guests for their patronage over the last ten years.”
“The boutique hotel struggled to maintain its high level of patronage after a larger international chain opened a competing property nearby.”
Antonyms
03political favours
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Academic · Formal
n. the power to give jobs or special favours to people in return for their political support.
n. the power to control appointments to office or the right to privileges, often used to reward political allies.
“The governor was accused of using political patronage to help his friends get jobs.”
“The reform aimed to dismantle the long-standing system of patronage that allowed senior officials to appoint unqualified relatives to administrative positions.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04condescending attitude
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Formal
n. a way of speaking or behaving that shows you think you are better or smarter than others.
n. a communication or demeanour that indicates a lack of respect through condescension or a superior attitude.
“She was offended by the tone of patronage in his voice when he explained the rules.”
“The expert's patronage was evident in the way he dismissed the junior researcher's findings without reviewing the raw data.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Seven charities, including the Teenage Cancer Trust and children’s hospice, have also cut ties and revoked Ferguson’s patronage due to her links with Epstein.” “Nigeria’s party system is highly fluid with personalities, patronage networks and local political structures often proving more important than ideology.” Etymology
From Middle English patronage, from Old French patronage (modern French patronage). Equivalent to patron + -age. Piecewise doublet of patternage.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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