Barterable: meaning, definitions and examples

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barterable

[ˈbɑːrtərəb(ə)l ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

goods or services

Capable of being exchanged for goods or services without the use of money.

Synonyms

exchangable, swappable, tradeable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
barterable	Used when describing items that can be exchanged in a system where goods or services are directly traded for other goods or services without using money. In the ancient market, many goods were barterable and traded directly for wheat or livestock. Those small handmade crafts are highly barterable within the local community.
tradeable	Used in economic or financial contexts to describe assets, commodities, or securities that can be traded on markets. Stocks and bonds are tradeable assets. The new cryptocurrency is tradeable on several exchanges.
swappable	Informal term often used in everyday contexts when describing items that can be swapped with each other, emphasizing a direct swap. These game cards are swappable among the players. Some parts of this machine are easily swappable for others.

Word

Description / Examples

barterable

Used when describing items that can be exchanged in a system where goods or services are directly traded for other goods or services without using money.

In the ancient market, many goods were barterable and traded directly for wheat or livestock.
Those small handmade crafts are highly barterable within the local community.

tradeable

Used in economic or financial contexts to describe assets, commodities, or securities that can be traded on markets.

Stocks and bonds are tradeable assets.
The new cryptocurrency is tradeable on several exchanges.

swappable

Informal term often used in everyday contexts when describing items that can be swapped with each other, emphasizing a direct swap.

These game cards are swappable among the players.
Some parts of this machine are easily swappable for others.

Examples of usage

Barterable items include livestock, crops, and handmade crafts.
Before the invention of currency, most transactions were barterable.
The barterable nature of the goods allowed for a flexible economy.
The barterable system was common in ancient civilizations.
Many small communities still rely on barterable goods for trade.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from 'barter', which has roots in Middle English and was influenced by the French word 'barater', meaning to cheat or deceive in a trade.
Bartering dates back thousands of years, long before money existed; early societies traded goods and services directly.
The term 'barter' has evolved over time, but its essence of trade without currency remains.

Historical Significance

Ancient Mesopotamia is one of the earliest places known to use bartering, where items like grain, cattle, and textiles were exchanged.
During the Great Depression, many communities revived barter systems as a means of survival when money was scarce.
Bartering played a crucial role in establishing early economies, fostering relationships and community trust.

Modern Applications

Today, online bartering platforms allow people around the world to trade services and goods, emphasizing a return to direct exchange.
Some local communities have created barter networks and time banks, allowing people to trade skills like gardening for tutoring.
Bartering is often seen as a sustainable practice, promoting resourcefulness and minimizing waste by repurposing items.

Cultural Perspectives

In some indigenous cultures, bartering has been a long-standing tradition, serving as a vital social function that builds community bonds.
Festivals in various cultures often feature barter markets, promoting local crafts and goods while encouraging community interaction.
In Japan, a traditional form of barter called 'mottainai' focuses on reducing waste and respecting resources by trading unused items.

Psychological Aspects

Bartering can create a sense of satisfaction and fairness, as individuals feel they are receiving equal value for what they give away.
Studies suggest that bartering may reduce feelings of economic vulnerability since it does not rely on fluctuating currency value.
Exchanging goods can foster stronger interpersonal relationships, as it often involves negotiation and understanding between parties.

Translations

Translations of the word "barterable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trocável

🇮🇳 विनिमेय

🇩🇪 tauschbar

🇮🇩 dapat ditukar

🇺🇦 бартерний

🇵🇱 wymienialny

🇯🇵 交換可能（こうかんかのう）

🇫🇷 échangeable

🇪🇸 canjeable

🇹🇷 takas edilebilir

🇰🇷 교환 가능한

🇸🇦 قابل للمقايضة

🇨🇿 směnitelný

🇸🇰 vymeniteľný

🇨🇳 可交换的

🇸🇮 zamenljiv

🇮🇸 skiptanlegt

🇰🇿 айырбасталатын

🇬🇪 გაცვლადი

🇦🇿 dəyişdirilə bilən

🇲🇽 canjeable