Patronage
/ˈpæt.rən.ɪdʒ/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid given to a person or organization.
/ˈpæt.rən.ɪdʒ/
Support or financial aid provided by a patron.
The museum's existence depended on the patronage of local businesses and wealthy individuals.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really cool artist who needs money to paint. If a rich person gives them money and says, 'Go make some awesome art!', that's patronage! It's like getting a 'helping hand' or a sponsorship.
👶 For kids: When someone helps you, like giving you money or supporting you, it's like they are giving you patronage.
More Examples
Political patronage often involves giving jobs or favors to those who supported the winning candidate.
The author received a grant in the form of patronage from a foundation.
How It's Used
"The artist relied on the patronage of wealthy merchants to fund his work."
"The governor's appointments were seen as acts of political patronage."
The power to give jobs or other advantages to people who have supported a particular political party or person.
/ˈpæt.rən.ɪdʒ/
The power to appoint or control jobs or privileges.
The senator was accused of using his position for political patronage.
💡 Simply: Imagine the mayor of your town. If they promise jobs to people who vote for them, that's patronage. It's using your position to help out your friends, not necessarily the best people for the job. This is very common in politics.
👶 For kids: When the boss can choose their friends for jobs because they are friends, that's patronage.
More Examples
The scandal involved allegations of widespread patronage in the awarding of government contracts.
The reformers sought to eliminate the system of patronage and introduce merit-based hiring.
How It's Used
"The mayor's office was accused of using patronage to reward its supporters."
"The system of patronage often leads to corruption and inefficiency."
The business given to a store, restaurant, hotel, etc. by its customers.
/ˈpæt.rən.ɪdʒ/
The business given to a store, restaurant, or hotel by its customers.
The boutique thrived thanks to the patronage of wealthy customers.
💡 Simply: Think of your favorite ice cream shop. When you and your friends go there to buy ice cream, that's patronage for the shop. It means the customers that go to a place and buy things!
👶 For kids: When people go to a store and buy things, that is patronage.
More Examples
The hotel relies heavily on the patronage of business travelers.
The bookstore owner was grateful for the community's patronage.
How It's Used
"The restaurant is hoping for increased patronage during the summer season."
"The shop's success depends on its regular patronage."
Synonyms
Assistance
Backing
Favor
Funding
Control
Influence
Business
Clientele
Custom
Customers
Idioms & expressions
seek patronage
To try to obtain support or financial assistance.
"The young artist went to wealthy merchants seeking their patronage to fund his work."
political patronage
The practice of granting favors, jobs, or contracts to supporters as a reward for their loyalty.
"The investigation uncovered evidence of widespread political patronage within the government."
From Old French patronage, from patron (patron). Originally referred to the right of a patron to appoint someone to a church office or a position, later expanding to include support or sponsorship.
The term patronage has been used since the 14th century. Historically, it was often associated with the church and the right to appoint clergy.
Memory tip
Think of a PATRON giving a generous AGE, which results in PATRONAGE