Power Support and Political Influence | Generated by AI
Patronage has a few related meanings:
Main definitions:
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Support or sponsorship - The backing, encouragement, or financial support given by a patron to an artist, cause, organization, or institution. For example, “The museum relies on the patronage of wealthy donors” or “Renaissance artists depended on royal patronage.”
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Being a customer - The act of giving your business to a store, restaurant, or service. For example, “Thank you for your patronage” means “thank you for being our customer.”
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Political appointments - The power to make appointments to government jobs or grant favors, often based on political connections rather than merit. This is sometimes called the “patronage system” or “spoils system.”
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Condescending attitude - Treating someone in a condescending way, as if they’re inferior (though this is more commonly expressed as being “patronizing”).
The word comes from the idea of a “patron” - someone who supports or protects others. In historical contexts, wealthy patrons would financially support artists, musicians, or writers, allowing them to create their work.
Which context were you encountering this word in?