Patronize vs. Matronize — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 17, 2023
Patronize means to treat condescendingly or to support a business; matronize means to act as a matron towards someone, often in a supervisory or chaperoning role.
Difference Between Patronize and Matronize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Patronize and matronize, while both verbs, serve distinctly different purposes in English. Patronize, on one hand, is often associated with a condescending attitude or behavior towards someone. It can also mean supporting a business or cause. Matronize, on the other hand, derives its roots from the word "matron," typically signifying a woman in charge or a female guardian.
While both words involve some form of oversight or interaction, the context in which they are used is crucial to understanding their implications. Patronize can sometimes carry a negative connotation, indicating an air of superiority. Meanwhile, matronize speaks more to a caring, protective, or supervisory role, frequently seen in settings where younger individuals need oversight.
It's worth noting that while "patron" can be gender-neutral or masculine (with its counterpart being "patroness"), "matron" is inherently feminine. This distinction in gender association further differentiates the two terms in terms of their usage and implications.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To treat with apparent kindness masking condescension.
To act as a matron, especially in a supervisory role.
Associated Gender
Gender-neutral or masculine.
Inherently feminine.
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Common Connotation
Often negative (condescending).
Neutral or positive (caring or supervisory).
Usage in a Sentence
"She didn't like being patronized by her younger brother."
"The head nurse will matronize the new batch of nurses."
Root Word
Patron
Matron
Compare with Definitions
Patronize
Treat in a way that is apparently kind or helpful but that betrays a feeling of superiority
She was determined not to be put down or patronized
Matronize
(transitive) To make a matron of; to make matron-like.
Patronize
Frequent (a shop, restaurant, or other establishment) as a customer
Restaurants and bars regularly patronized by the stars were often crowded with paparazzi
Matronize
Chiefly humorous. Of a woman: to patronize.
Patronize
To act as a patron to; support or sponsor
Donors who patronize the orchestra.
Matronize
(transitive) To act the part of a matron toward; to superintend or chaperone.
To matronize an assembly
Patronize
To go to as a customer, especially on a regular basis
We patronize the local diner.
Matronize
To criticize from a feminist perspective.
To matronize female artists for sexploitation
Patronize
To treat in a condescending manner, often in showing interest or kindness that is insincere
Felt she was being patronized by her supervisor.
Matronize
Of a woman: to patronize or be condescending towards.
Patronize
(transitive) To act as a patron of; to defend, protect, or support.
Matronize
To make a matron of; to make matronlike.
Childbed matronizes the giddiest spirits.
Patronize
(transitive) To make oneself a customer of a business, especially a regular customer.
Matronize
To act the part of a matron toward; to superintend; to chaperone; as, to matronize an assembly.
Patronize
(transitive) To assume a tone of unjustified superiority toward; to talk down to, to treat condescendingly.
Matronize
To act in the capacity of a matron or female guardian.
Mrs. Thompson offered to matronize the school dance.
Patronize
To blame, to reproach.
Matronize
To supervise or oversee in a protective manner.
The experienced nurse decided to matronize the younger staff.
Patronize
To act as patron toward; to support; to countenance; to favor; to aid.
The idea has been patronized by two States only.
Matronize
To preside over an event or group as a matron.
She was chosen to matronize the women's council meeting.
Patronize
To trade with customarily; to frequent as a customer.
Matronize
To act as a chaperone for an event or group.
The teachers decided to matronize the school trip to the museum.
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.
Matronize
To guide or mentor in a nurturing role.
As a senior employee, she felt it was her duty to matronize new hires.
Patronize
Assume sponsorship of
Patronize
Do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
Patronize
Treat condescendingly
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
Patronize
To treat with a condescending manner.
He hated when adults patronized him because of his age.
Patronize
To support or frequent a business or establishment.
Many locals patronize the corner bakery every morning.
Patronize
To act as a patron or supporter of the arts.
Wealthy aristocrats would often patronize budding artists.
Patronize
To disregard someone's opinion or feelings as inferior.
It's rude to patronize someone just because they're new.
Patronize
To give encouragement or financial support to a cause or venture.
She decided to patronize the new environmental initiative.
Common Curiosities
How do you use matronize in a sentence?
An example could be, "She was chosen to matronize the group during their outing," indicating she was responsible for overseeing or chaperoning the group.
How do you use patronize in a sentence?
One might say, "I don't need you to patronize me," expressing their dislike for being treated condescendingly.
What’s the meaning of patronize?
Patronize can either refer to the act of treating someone with apparent kindness while implying they are inferior or to the act of supporting or frequenting a business or establishment.
Is matronize a word?
Yes, "matronize" is a word, but it's not commonly used in everyday English.
Is it rude to patronize someone?
Yes, it is generally considered rude to patronize someone because it implies that the other person is inferior or less knowledgeable.
What is the difference between patronize and condescend?
While both patronize and condescend involve a superior attitude toward others, "patronize" often means to treat someone as if they are less intelligent or less important, sometimes feigning kindness. "Condescend" typically means to show that one believes they are superior in a demeaning way, often by talking down to someone.
What’s the meaning of matronize?
Matronize means to act in the capacity of a matron, often in a supervisory, protective, or chaperoning role.
What’s the difference between patronize vs. matronize?
Patronize primarily means to treat with condescension or to support a business, while matronize refers to taking on a supervisory or chaperoning role, typically associated with a matron or female guardian.
Why is it called patronizing?
The term "patronizing" comes from the word "patron." Historically, a patron was someone who gave support to a lesser individual or cause, often in the arts. Over time, the term evolved to imply a superior attitude towards someone seen as inferior.
What does matronize mean?
Matronize refers to the act of behaving like or adopting the characteristics of a matron, especially in a dignified, motherly, or domineering manner.
Why do people patronize?
People may patronize others due to a desire to maintain a sense of superiority, to exert control, or because they genuinely believe they know better. It can also be a defense mechanism or a way to cope with their own insecurities.
What is to patronize someone?
To patronize someone means to treat them with apparent kindness, but in a way that shows you believe you are superior to them.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
