Patronize vs. Patronise: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Patronize (American English) and Patronise (British English) have the same meaning: to support or condescend.
Key Differences
The words Patronize and Patronise are essentially the same in meaning, but their usage varies geographically. Patronize is the preferred spelling in American English, while Patronise is used in British English. Both terms can imply providing support or sponsorship, typically to a business or artistic endeavor.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Another common meaning of Patronize and Patronise is to treat someone in a condescending way. This usage implies a sense of superiority by the speaker towards the person being spoken to. In both American and British English, this sense of the word carries a negative connotation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
In terms of pronunciation, Patronize and Patronise sound virtually identical, the difference in spelling notwithstanding. This is a common trait among many words that vary between American and British English, where the difference lies primarily in spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
The choice between Patronize and Patronise depends largely on the writer’s or speaker’s regional dialect. While American English favors Patronize, British English leans towards Patronise. Regardless of the spelling, the intended meaning is understood in both dialects.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
In digital communication, especially in global platforms, either Patronize or Patronise may be encountered. It’s essential for readers to recognize that despite the spelling variation, the words are interchangeable in meaning and use.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Patronize and Patronise Definitions
Patronize
Support Financially
She often patronizes local artists by buying their work.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Patronise
Treat in a Condescending Manner
Her tone can unintentionally patronise her listeners.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Patronize
Frequent as a Customer
They patronize the family-run café every Sunday.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Patronise
Frequent as a Customer
They patronise the old bookstore instead of online retailers.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Patronize
Treat in a Condescending Manner
His habit to patronize his colleagues is off-putting.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
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Patronise
Talk Down To
As a teacher, he never patronises his students, always respecting their ideas.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Patronize
Talk Down To
He tends to patronize when explaining technical details.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Patronise
Support Financially
He regularly patronises the city's historical museum.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Patronize
To act as a patron to; support or sponsor
Donors who patronize the orchestra.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Patronise
Act as a Patron for
She patronises various environmental charities.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Patronize
To go to as a customer, especially on a regular basis
We patronize the local diner.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Patronize
To treat in a condescending manner, often in showing interest or kindness that is insincere
Felt she was being patronized by her supervisor.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Patronise
Do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Patronize
(transitive) To act as a patron of; to defend, protect, or support.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Patronize
(transitive) To make oneself a customer of a business, especially a regular customer.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Patronize
(transitive) To assume a tone of unjustified superiority toward; to talk down to, to treat condescendingly.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Patronise
Be a regular customer or client of;
We patronize this store
Our sponsor kept our art studio going for as long as he could
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Patronize
To act as patron toward; to support; to countenance; to favor; to aid.
The idea has been patronized by two States only.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Patronize
To assume the air of a patron, or of a superior and protector, toward; - used in an unfavorable sense; as, to patronize one's equals.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Patronize
Do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Patronize
Be a regular customer or client of;
We patronize this store
Our sponsor kept our art studio going for as long as he could
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Patronize
Act as a Patron for
The company patronizes several sports events annually.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is Patronise considered negative?
It can be negative if it means treating someone condescendingly.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Should I use Patronize in the UK?
Typically, Patronise is preferred in the UK.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can Patronize be used positively?
Yes, it can mean supporting a business or artist.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Are Patronize and Patronise the same?
Yes, they have the same meanings but differ in American (Patronize) and British (Patronise) spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is Patronise used in American publications?
Generally, American publications use Patronize.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Does the pronunciation differ for Patronize and Patronise?
No, they are pronounced the same.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can Patronize mean to act as a patron in the arts?
Yes, it can refer to supporting the arts financially or morally.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is Patronize always negative when referring to people?
Not always, but it's often seen as condescending.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Does Patronize imply financial support only?
No, it can also mean moral or general support.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
In business, is it better to use Patronize or Patronise?
Use the form that aligns with your region's English variant.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can Patronize be used in a neutral context?
Yes, when referring to being a customer or supporter.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is it disrespectful to use Patronize in a condescending way?
Yes, it's generally viewed negatively.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Do online platforms prefer Patronize or Patronise?
Both are used, depending on the writer's regional background.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is Patronize evolving in meaning?
Its core meanings remain, but usage can evolve with cultural changes.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can Patronise be used in an educational context?
Yes, but avoid using it in a condescending sense.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Does using Patronise reflect on one’s education?
It reflects the British English educational background.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Do younger generations prefer Patronize or Patronise?
It varies, often influenced by cultural and media exposure.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can Patronise be used in international communications?
Yes, but be aware of your audience's English variant.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is Patronise suitable for academic papers in the UK?
Yes, in British academic writing, Patronise is appropriate.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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