patronage
PAY-truh-nij
/ˈpæt.rə.nɪdʒ/
The support given by a patron, or the power to control appointments to office or grant privileges.
Carries historical connotations of wealthy protectors funding artists, scholars, or institutions.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'patronus', from 'pater' (father). In ancient Rome, a patronus was a wealthy citizen who offered legal defense and financial backing to lower-class clients in exchange for social and political loyalty.
Word relationships
- sponsorship: 'Sponsorship' modernly implies commercial advertising, while 'patronage' implies cultural, academic, or political backing.
Commonly confused with
- patron: A patron is the person providing support; patronage is the act or system of supporting.
Word family
- patron (noun): A person who gives financial or other support.
- patronize (verb): To give custom or support to, or to treat with condescension.
Collocations
- political patronage
- arts patronage
- system of patronage
- patronage of the university
Example sentences
- "Without the generous patronage of aristocratic families, many Renaissance universities could not have survived." Art & Academic History
Memory hook
PATRONAGE is PATERNAL protection and funding. Financial or political sponsorship.
When not to use
Do not use for casual commercial transactions like purchasing retail goods.
Fun facts
- The word 'patronize' ironically split into two meanings: to support financially, or to talk down to someone condescendingly.
Related words
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