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patron

PAY-trun /ˈpeɪ.trən/

nounB2SATACTTOEFL

formalprofessional

A person who supports, uses, or visits an institution, especially a library, museum, or theater.

While in business a patron is simply a customer, in civic and artistic contexts, it carries a dignified tone of supporting and valuing the institution's mission.

The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, a patronus was a wealthy protector who looked after clients in exchange for loyalty and services. Over the centuries, this paternalistic relationship evolved into the modern concept of a patron as someone who supports cultural institutions or regularly visits a library.

Word relationships

supporter: Supporter is a general term for anyone who favors a cause, whereas a patron specifically uses or financially backs an institution.
client: Client implies a professional relationship where services are purchased, while a patron engages with a civic or cultural space.

detractor: A detractor actively criticizes or opposes an institution, whereas a patron supports and utilizes it.

Commonly confused with

pattern: A pattern is a repeated decorative design or model, while a patron is a person who supports an institution.

Word family

patronize (verb): To frequent an establishment as a customer, or to treat someone in a condescending manner.
patronage (noun): The support, encouragement, or financial aid given by a patron.

Collocations

library patron
generous patron
patron of the arts

Example sentences

"Every patron who enters the library has access to free internet, research databases, and a collection of over fifty thousand books." A description of library services in a community report.

Memory hook

Think of a patron as someone who acts like a 'parent' to the arts or libraries by supporting them and visiting them regularly. A patron is a library's protective parent.

When not to use

Do not use patron for a casual customer at a fast-food restaurant or a convenience store; use customer or client instead.

Fun facts

In the Middle Ages, writers and painters could not survive without a wealthy patron to pay for their food and housing while they created art.