Business: meaning, definitions and examples

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business

 

[ หˆbษชznษชs ]

Context #1 | Noun

world of commerce

Business refers to the activities involved in buying and selling goods or services for profit. It can also encompass the management and operation of a company or organization.

Synonyms

commerce, industry, trade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
business

General or specific activities involving trade, services, or manufacturing. Can refer both to an entity and the activity.

  • She runs a successful business selling handmade jewelry.
  • Business has been slow during the holidays.
commerce

The large-scale activity of buying and selling, generally more formal and related to economic transactions.

  • Global commerce has been impacted by the pandemic.
  • The Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses.
trade

The act or process of buying, selling, or exchanging goods and services, often on a smaller or more individual level than commerce.

  • There is a bustling trade in antiques at the market.
  • They decided to trade their homegrown vegetables for fresh eggs.
industry

A specific branch of economic activity, often referring to production and manufacturing sectors.

  • The automotive industry is facing significant changes with the rise of electric vehicles.
  • He has worked in the tech industry for over a decade.

Examples of usage

  • Her father runs a successful business selling handmade jewelry.
  • The local bakery is a family-owned business that has been around for generations.
Context #2 | Noun

occupation or profession

Business can also refer to one's occupation or profession, especially when it involves administrative or managerial tasks.

Synonyms

career, job, profession.

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Word Description / Examples
business

Can also mean the activities involved in the supply of goods and services.

  • He is involved in the software business.
  • The company's business strategy focuses on innovation.
profession

Implies an occupation that requires specialized training and formal qualifications.

  • Engineering is a respected profession.
  • She has been practicing medicine as her profession.
career

Used when referring to the long-term professional journey and progression in one's occupation.

  • She has had a successful career in law.
  • His career in medicine spans over two decades.
job

Describes a specific role or position of employment that someone performs to earn money.

  • She got a new job as a teacher.
  • He quit his job because he found a better opportunity.

Examples of usage

  • She studied business administration in college and now works as a manager in a multinational corporation.
  • His father is in the real estate business, buying and selling properties.
Context #3 | Noun

matter or concern

In a broader sense, business can refer to any matter, concern, or activity that needs to be dealt with or attended to.

Synonyms

concern, issue, matter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
business

It describes a commercial enterprise or the activities someone is engaged in professionally.

  • She started her own online business last year
  • My business is doing well thanks to the new marketing strategy
matter

It refers to a subject or situation under consideration or discussion.

  • The matter will be discussed at the next meeting
  • It's a private matter and does not concern you
concern

It often implies worry or anxiety about an issue, but can also refer to something someone is involved with or responsible for.

  • The rise in crime rates is a major concern for the community
  • His main concern is the health of his family
issue

This word is typically used to describe a problem or topic of discussion that needs to be addressed.

  • We need to discuss the security issues before the event
  • There are many issues that need to be resolved in the project

Examples of usage

  • It's none of your business what I do in my free time.
  • Let's get down to business and discuss the details of the project.

Translations

Translations of the word "business" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น negรณcios

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเฅเคฏเคตเคธเคพเคฏ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Geschรคft

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bisnis

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑั–ะทะฝะตั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ biznes

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ“ใ‚ธใƒใ‚น

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท affaires

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ negocios

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท iลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‚ฌ์—…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนู…ู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ obchod

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ obchod

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ•†ไธš

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ posel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ viรฐskipti

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะธะทะฝะตั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒ–แƒœแƒ”แƒกแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ biznes

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ negocios

Etymology

The word 'business' originated from the Old English word 'bisignes' which meant 'care, anxiety, occupation'. Over time, it evolved to encompass commercial activities and professional endeavors. The concept of business has been integral to human societies throughout history, driving economic growth and innovation.

See also: bus, bust.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #166, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.