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Advertisement Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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advertisement

[ədˈvəːtɪsm(ə)nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

marketing

A notice or announcement in a public medium promoting a product, service, or event.

Synonyms

commercial, marketing, promotion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
advertisement

Typically used for any form of public announcement or attention-grabbing notice, especially in print media like newspapers and magazines.

  • I saw an advertisement for a new restaurant in the Sunday paper.
  • The advertisement in the magazine caught her eye.
promotion

Focused on specific activities or events designed to increase awareness or sales, such as discounts, special offers, or limited-time campaigns.

  • The store is having a promotion on all summer clothing.
  • We are planning a big promotion to celebrate our anniversary.
marketing

Refers to the broader strategy and activities involved in promoting and selling products or services.

  • Our marketing team has developed a new campaign to attract younger customers.
  • She studied marketing in college to learn how to make effective sales strategies.
commercial

Specifically refers to advertisements that appear on television or radio.

  • The Super Bowl commercials are always so entertaining.
  • I turned up the volume when my favorite commercial came on.

Examples of usage

  • The advertisement for the new phone was featured on billboards all over the city.
  • She saw an advertisement for a job opening at the local newspaper.
Context #2 | Noun

online

A paid form of promotion on the internet to attract customers.

Synonyms

digital advertising, internet marketing, online ad.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
advertisement

A Western variant of 'advertisement', having the same meaning and usage in promoting products or services in a traditional manner.

  • They published an advertisement in the local magazine.
  • The radio station played an advertisement for the summer sale.
online ad

A more casual and everyday term for advertisements that appear on the internet, such as on websites or social media platforms.

  • He clicked on an online ad for a new gadget.
  • The online ad popped up when she was browsing her favorite website.
internet marketing

A broader term that encompasses not only online ads but also other online marketing methods, such as email marketing, content marketing, and social media marketing.

  • Internet marketing has become essential for modern businesses.
  • She attended a workshop on internet marketing techniques.
digital advertising

Refers specifically to advertising that occurs in digital formats, such as on websites, social media, or mobile apps.

  • The company is investing heavily in digital advertising.
  • He specializes in digital advertising strategies.

Examples of usage

  • She clicked on an advertisement for a vacation package and booked her trip immediately.
  • Online advertisements can be targeted based on users' browsing history.
Context #3 | Noun

television

A short TV commercial aimed at promoting a product or service.

Synonyms

TV commercial, promo, television ad.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
advertisement

Usually describes a formal or traditional announcement in print.

  • The advertisement in the magazine was very eye-catching
  • They took out an advertisement to promote their event
TV commercial

Another term for television advertisement, often used in everyday conversation.

  • Did you see the new TV commercial with the talking dog? The TV commercial for the snack food was hilarious
television ad

Specific term used for advertisements shown on TV.

  • I always see that television ad for the new car
  • The television ad for the new movie looked interesting
promo

Informal term used for short promotional materials, often in the context of sales, events, or entertainment.

  • I received a promo code via email
  • The radio station was running a promo for a concert

Examples of usage

  • During the Super Bowl, companies pay millions for a 30-second advertisement slot.
  • The advertisement for the new car featured stunning visuals and catchy music.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The first known advertisement appeared on an ancient Egyptian papyrus around 3000 BC promoting a slave.
  • In 1704, the first American newspaper advertisement was published in 'The Boston News-Letter', marking the beginning of commercial marketing in America.
  • By the late 19th century, advertising had evolved dramatically, with the establishment of agencies dedicated solely to creating ads.

Psychology

  • Ads often use emotional appeals to connect with viewers, influencing their buying decisions more than logical reasoning.
  • Studies show that colors and images in advertisements can evoke certain feelings; for instance, red often evokes urgency.
  • The 'mere exposure effect' suggests that people tend to develop a preference for things simply because they are familiar with them, a principle advertisers leverage.

Pop Culture

  • Some advertisements become iconic, like Apple's 'Think Different' campaign, which shaped their brand identity.
  • Super Bowl ads are renowned for their creativity and impact, often regarded as highlights of the event rather than just marketing tools.
  • Characters in pop culture, like Tony the Tiger and the Geico Gecko, are tied to their respective brands, showing the branding power of mascots.

Technology

  • Digital advertising has transformed the industry, enabling targeted ads based on online behavior and preferences.
  • Social media platforms have become major arenas for advertisements, allowing brands to engage with users in real-time.
  • Innovations like augmented reality ads are creating immersive experiences that blend the digital and real worlds, changing how products are marketed.

Origin of 'advertisement'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'advertere', meaning 'to turn toward', indicating how ads aim to capture attention.
  • In the 15th century, the term was used in print, with a shift towards its current use in the 17th century as 'advertising'.
  • The abbreviation 'ad' became common in the 20th century as advertising grew in industry.

The word 'advertisement' has its roots in the Latin word 'advertere', which means 'to turn towards'. Originally, it referred to the action of drawing attention to something. Over time, the term evolved to include commercial promotion and marketing. The concept of advertising has been around for centuries, but it became more prominent with the rise of mass media in the 20th century.

See also: advertiser.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,266 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.