patronise
Treat as inferior
Patronise is the British spelling of patronize.
To patronise is to treat someone as inferior, speaking down to them as if they lack intelligence or sophistication: Don't patronise me—I understand the situation perfectly well.
The word also means to frequent a business as a customer: She patronises the local bakery every Saturday.
A patron supports or frequents; to patronise can be either supportive or condescending, depending on context.
One who gives aid
- backerFinancial supporter
- sponsorFunder of activities
- donorOne who contributes freely
- philanthropistDonor to charitable causes
funding · underwrite · subsidize · endowment · financier · grant · benefaction · philanthropy
Superior and dismissive manner
- belittlementVerbal diminishing of worth
- superiorityHigher rank or quality
- smugnessExcessive pride in oneself
- dismissiveShowing contemptuous disregard
haughtiness · arrogance · sneering · disdainful · contemptuous · supercilious · snobbery · scorn
benefactor
One who gives aid
philanthropist · funding · underwrite · subsidize · endowment · financier · grant · benefaction · philanthropy · investor
condescending
Superior and dismissive manner
- belittlementVerbal diminishing of worth
- superiorityHigher rank or quality
- smugnessExcessive pride in oneself
dismissive · haughtiness · arrogance · sneering · disdainful · contemptuous · supercilious · snobbery · scorn · derision
customer
Buyer of goods
- regularOccurring at fixed intervals
- shopperOne who purchases goods
- clienteleCollective body of customers
frequenter · diner · guest · loyalty · custom · trade · business · establishment · local · pub
patroniserespect
Regard with honor
esteem · look up to · admire · honour · revere
patronize, patronizing, patronized, patronizer, patronizes, patronising, patronised, patronises