patron
Meaning: A person who provides financial or other support to an individual, organisation, or cause, or a distinguished figurehead who lends their name and prestige to a charity or institution.
Patron has two main senses in modern British English. First, it refers to a supporter of the arts, sciences, or charitable causes — historically wealthy individuals who funded artists and scholars. Second, it denotes a prominent person, often a member of the royal family, who serves as the ceremonial head of a charity. The word also retains its older meaning of a regular customer, particularly of restaurants or hotels.
Examples
- The Prince of Wales served as patron of the conservation trust for over two decades. 威尔士亲王担任该自然保护信托基金的赞助人长达二十余年。El Príncipe de Gales ejerció como patrón del fideicomiso de conservación durante más de dos décadas.プリンス・オブ・ウェールズは20年以上にわたりその自然保護トラストの後援者を務めた。웨일스 공은 20년 넘게 그 자연보호 신탁의 후원자로 활동했다.
- Renaissance patrons such as the Medici family transformed Florence into the cultural capital of Europe. 文艺复兴时期的赞助人,如美第奇家族,将佛罗伦萨变成了欧洲的文化之都。Mecenas renacentistas como la familia Medici transformaron Florencia en la capital cultural de Europa.メディチ家などのルネサンス期のパトロンは、フィレンツェをヨーロッパの文化の首都に変えた。메디치 가문과 같은 르네상스 시대의 후원자들은 피렌체를 유럽의 문화 수도로 탈바꿈시켰다.
- The gallery relied on the generosity of private patrons to acquire works for its permanent collection. 该画廊依靠私人赞助者的慷慨来为其永久收藏购置作品。La galería dependía de la generosidad de mecenas privados para adquirir obras destinadas a su colección permanente.その美術館は永久コレクションのための作品購入を個人のパトロンの寛大さに頼っていた。그 미술관은 상설 소장품 구입을 위해 개인 후원자들의 관대함에 의존했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional, journalism
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin patronus (protector, defender), from pater (father). Entered English in the 14th century via Old French patron.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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