patronize

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patronize

rate

(Verb) (1) To use/pay for the services of an obviously-commercial establishment - like a hotel, store or restaurant. (E.g., one might patronize Hilton Hotels, but probably not a bank, and certainly not a hospital.)
(2) To treat as inferior, look down on, to let it be known that you consider someone to fall below what you perceive as your own high/fine intelligence, behavior, manners, etc.

Usage: (Both definitions, the first meant, the second not meant.) Sign left on a restaurant table by a group of demanding/obnoxious/snotty diners: "You have been patronized by ... .")

patronize

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(Noun) To shop at.

Usage: I patronize that fancy department store down the block.

patronize

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(Verb) To act as a supporter.

Usage: "Patronize me, please, and donate two dollars to this fund."

patronize

rate

(Verb) Talk down to - or do the equivalent in writing.

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patronize

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