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patronage

patronage

7 6.0
Support, often money, that people give to art or cultural groups
  • noun
  • /ˈpeɪtrəˌnɪdʒ/
translation icon : mecenazgo
  • The art exhibition flourished under the patronage of several local businesses, allowing artists to showcase their work.
  • art patronage
  • private patronage
  • receive patronage

Because of course, all sorts of things have royal patronage.

Examples

  • With his patronage comes credibility, and with credibility comes respect.

    Big Eyes (2014)

  • It so happens I have taken under my patronage an extraordinary man.

    The Affair of the Necklace (2001)

  • In that case they would all be under my patronage.

    Heirloom (2019)

  • Both took advantage of the new opportunities for exhibition and patronage on offer in the wake of the French Revolution.

    Academic text (2015)

  • But the development of other sources of patronage has also resulted in new and dynamic possibilities.

    Academic text (1997)

  • Thank you for your patronage... and for your unwavering support of this fine institution.

    Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014)

  • Actually, it wasn't long before the new science received patronage from states that recognized its practical value.

    Academic text (2011)

  • I have no motives for my artistic patronage other than personal pleasure.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • Most church income came from the revenue of its estates and the patronage of landed gentry.

    Academic text (1999)

  • In the civic-minded climate of late colonial Havana, the patronage of fountains became a gesture of concern for public welfare.

    Academic text (2013)

Synonyms

favor
vspatronage
  • US
948 1.0

Good treatment that gives someone an advantage

implies concrete support or financial aid rather than mere preference
support
vspatronage
638 1.0

Money given to help a person or project

also covers encouragement and nonmaterial backing besides material aid
sponsorship
vspatronage
57 3.5

Help and money a company gives to a person, group, or event

is broader, covering private encouragement as well as financial aid
backing
vspatronage
1 2.6

Help or approval, often with money, that lets a project continue

is support that can be lasting and may include encouragement or funds
patronization
vspatronage
  • US
7.3

Help, often money, that someone gives to a person, group, or activity

is the ongoing support or relationship rather than a single act

Antonyms

neglect
100 3.5

Not caring for someone or something that needs care

How Much

endowment
  • Formal
67 6.5
patronage
7 6.0
sponsorship
57 3.5
to aid
238 1.0
support
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

patronage singular
patronages plural

Morphology

patronage = patron (transparent) = patron + age

This is a fairly direct noun formation meaning the support or backing provided by a patron.

Etymology

Patronage comes from patron, from the Latin patronus meaning 'protector' and related to pater 'father'. A helpful image is a wealthy person who looks after artists with money and help, so patronage means the support or financial aid someone gives to a person or group.