patronize
UK[ˈpætrənaɪz]US[ˈpeɪtrənaɪz]
v
to be a regular customer of a business or to use a service
v
to support or give money to an organization or activity
v
to treat someone in a way that is friendly but shows you consider them to be inferior or less important
Morpheme Breakdown
patron
ize
patron
ize
to make, to become, to act like
Etymology
the word patronize originates from the latin patronus, which itself derives from pater (father). in ancient rome, a patronus was a protector or advocate for clients and dependents, a role modeled on paternal authority. the suffix -ize, of greek origin, was added to form a verb meaning "to act as a patron." the core semantic thread connects the idea of a powerful, supportive figure to the modern meanings. the positive sense of providing support evolved alongside a condescending sense, reflecting how protective authority can be perceived as demeaning superiority.
Analysis
Structure: patron + ize
patron: from latin patronus (protector, defender, advocate), via old french patron. functions as the core root meaning a supporter or protector.
ize: from greek -izein via latin -izare and old french -iser. a verb-forming suffix meaning "to make, to become, to act like".
Examples
we always patronize the local bookstore instead of the large chains.
several wealthy families agreed to patronize the new symphony orchestra.
it's insulting when you use that simple language to patronize me.