Patron vs. Patronage — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
Patron refers to an individual who supports others, especially in the arts or academics, whereas patronage denotes the support itself, often associated with financial aid or influence.
Difference Between Patron and Patronage
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A patron is typically a person who provides financial support, guidance, or other forms of assistance, often to artists, writers, or educational institutions. On the other hand, patronage refers to the act of providing this support and can also imply the power to control appointments or distribute favors.
While a patron is usually an individual, patronage can be extended by organizations or even governments. This reflects not just personal support but also institutional, political, or social backing.
Patrons often have a personal interest or passion in the endeavors they support, focusing on the development of talent and innovation. Whereas, patronage can sometimes carry connotations of influence peddling and nepotism, especially when used to describe political appointments.
In the arts, a patron might sponsor specific artists or exhibitions, directly influencing cultural trends and artistic expressions. On the other hand, patronage in this context can lead to significant impacts on cultural institutions through sustained financial support or endorsements.
The relationship between a patron and their beneficiaries is often close and personal, implying a direct engagement and interest in the success of the latter. Patronage, however, might not involve such personal relationships and could be more about the strategic benefits or obligations fulfilled by the supporter.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An individual who supports
The act of providing support
Nature
Personal involvement
Institutional or systematic
Implications
Often positive, personal growth
Can imply nepotism, control
Primary Context
Arts, education
Politics, arts, broader contexts
Relationship
Direct, often close
May not involve close ties
Compare with Definitions
Patron
A protector or benefactor.
The academic credited his success to his patron.
Patronage
Institutional backing or sponsorship.
The festival continued annually due to strong corporate patronage.
Patron
A saint regarded as a heavenly protector.
St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.
Patronage
Support given by a patron.
Her career was advanced through the patronage of her mentor.
Patron
A supporter of the arts.
The gallery flourished thanks to its wealthy patron.
Patronage
Business given to a store by customers.
The shop thrived on the patronage of local residents.
Patron
A regular customer of a business.
She was a familiar patron of the downtown café.
Patronage
A condescending manner of giving support.
His patronage made the artists feel undervalued.
Patron
A sponsor of charitable activities.
The patron funded the building of the new library.
Patronage
The power to appoint people to governmental or political positions.
Patronage was evident in his swift political appointments.
Patron
A person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, or cause
A celebrated patron of the arts
Patronage
Patronage is the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows on another. In the history of art, arts patronage refers to the support that kings, popes, and the wealthy have provided to artists such as musicians, painters, and sculptors.
Patron
A customer of a shop, restaurant, etc., especially a regular one
We surveyed the plushness of the hotel and its sleek, well-dressed patrons
Patronage
The support or encouragement of a patron, as for an institution or cause.
Patron
A patrician in relation to a client.
Patronage
Support or encouragement proffered in a condescending manner
Our little establishment has finally been deemed worthy of the bank's patronage.
Patron
A person or institution with the right to grant a benefice to a member of the clergy.
Patronage
The trade given to a commercial establishment by its customers
Shopkeepers thanked Christmas shoppers for their patronage.
Patron
One that supports, protects, or champions someone or something, such as an institution, event, or cause; a sponsor or benefactor
A patron of the arts.
Patronage
Customers or patrons considered as a group; clientele
The grand old hotel has a loyal but demanding patronage.
Patron
A customer, especially a regular customer.
Patronage
The power to distribute or appoint people to governmental or political positions.
Patron
(also pä-trōn) The owner or manager of an establishment, especially a restaurant or an inn of France or Spain.
Patronage
The act of distributing or appointing people to such positions.
Patron
A noble or wealthy person in ancient Rome who granted favor and protection to someone in exchange for certain services.
Patronage
The positions so distributed or filled.
Patron
A slave owner in ancient Rome who freed a slave without relinquishing all legal claim to him.
Patronage
The right to grant an ecclesiastical benefice to a member of the clergy.
Patron
One who possesses the right to grant an ecclesiastical benefice to a member of the clergy.
Patronage
The act of providing approval and support; backing; championship.
His vigorous patronage of the conservatives got him in trouble with progressives.
Patron
A patron saint.
Patronage
Customers collectively; clientele; business.
The restaurant had an upper-class patronage.
Patron
One who protects or supports; a defender or advocate.
Patronage
The act or state of being a customer of some business.
The restaurant had "Thank you for your patronage!" printed on its take-out bags.
Patron
A guardian or intercessor; patron saint.
St. Joseph is the patron of many different places.
Patronage
A communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient; condescension; disdain.
Patron
An influential, wealthy person who supported an artist, craftsman, a scholar or a noble.
Patronage
(politics) Granting favours or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support.
Patron
A customer, as of a certain store or restaurant.
This car park is for patrons only.
Patronage
Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care.
Patron
A protector of a dependent, especially a master who had freed a slave but still retained some paternal rights.
Patronage
The right of nomination to political office.
Patron
One who has gift and disposition of a benefice.
Patronage
The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.
Patron
(nautical) A padrone.
Patronage
(transitive) To support by being a patron of.
Patron
A property owner, a landlord, a master. patroon.}}
Patronage
(transitive) To be a regular customer or client of; to patronize
Patron
To be a patron of; to patronize; to favour.
Patronage
Special countenance or support; favor, encouragement, or aid, afforded to a person or a work; as, the patronage of letters; patronage given to an author.
Patron
To treat as a patron.
Patronage
Business custom.
Patron
One who protects, supports, or countenances; a defender.
Patronage
Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care.
Patron
A master who had freed his slave, but still retained some paternal rights over him.
Let him who works the client wrongBeware the patron's ire.
Patronage
The right of nomination to political office; also, the offices, contracts, honors, etc., which a public officer may bestow by favor.
Patron
One who encourages or helps a person, a cause, or a work; a furtherer; a promoter; as, a patron of art.
Patronage
The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.
Patron
One who has gift and disposition of a benefice.
Patronage
To act as a patron of; to maintain; to defend.
Patron
A guardian saint. - called also patron saint.
Patronage
The act of providing approval and support;
His vigorous backing of the conservatives got him in trouble with progressives
Patron
See Padrone, 2.
Patronage
Customers collectively;
They have an upper class clientele
Patron
To be a patron of; to patronize; to favor.
Patronage
A communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient
Patron
Doing the duty of a patron; giving aid or protection; tutelary.
Patronage
(politics) granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support
Patron
A regular customer
Patronage
The business given to a commercial establishment by its customers;
Even before noon there was a considerable patronage
Patron
The proprietor of an inn
Patronage
Support by being a patron of
Patron
Someone who supports or champions something
Patronage
Be a regular customer or client of;
We patronize this store
Our sponsor kept our art studio going for as long as he could
Common Curiosities
What does patronage mean?
Patronage refers to the support or influence provided by a patron.
What is political patronage?
Political patronage involves appointing people to positions based on affiliative instead of merit-based criteria.
What is a patron?
A patron is an individual who provides support, often financial, to a person, organization, or cause.
How does patronage affect politics?
It can affect the integrity of political processes through favoritism.
How does a patron differ from a sponsor?
A patron often engages more personally, while a sponsor might support for promotional benefits.
What are the benefits of being a patron?
Benefits include gratitude, societal recognition, and personal satisfaction.
What is the historical significance of patronage?
Historically, patronage has played a crucial role in the arts and governance.
Can companies be considered patrons?
Yes, companies can act as patrons, especially in cultural and educational fields.
Is patronage always positive?
Not necessarily, as it can involve nepotism and undue influence.
Who can be a patron in the arts?
Anyone from individuals to corporations that provide support can be patrons.
Can patronage be harmful?
Yes, when it leads to corruption or stifles meritocracy.
What is the role of patronage in education?
It supports educational institutions and students through scholarships and grants.
How can one become a patron?
By offering support, financially or otherwise, to causes or individuals.
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
