Proper Pronunciation Guide
patronize
[
pe͜i trə nɑ͜iz]
Tips:
- Pronounce the letter “a” like the name of the letter itself—/e͜i/—and stress it.
- Pronounce the letter “o” as the weak schwa vowel /ə/.
Practice Sentences:
| The striking employees asked us not to patronize the store until their demands were met. | |
| Don't patronize me! |
Definition:
(verb) To give one’s business to an organization or institution, such as shopping at a store, attending a museum, or eating in a restaurant. Also, behaving toward someone in an overly solicitous or condescending manner.
Notes:
The adjective is patronizing [pe͜i trə nɑ͜i zɪŋ] . The noun patronage [pe͜i trə nəʤ] means the regular business that customers give a store or business or, politically, the granting of jobs and favors by politicians to their loyal supporters.