Company Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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company
[ˈkʌmp(ə)ni ]
Definitions
business
A company is a commercial business that is established to provide products or services in exchange for money. Companies can be small or large, private or public, and they can operate in various industries.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| company |
General term for any business entity, more casual and commonly used in everyday speech.
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| firm |
Commonly refers to a partnership or a business, often professional service firms such as law and consulting firms.
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| business |
Broad term that can refer to any commercial activity or commercial enterprise. Often used to emphasize the commercial aspect.
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| corporation |
Legal entity that is separate from its owners, often large and formal. Used in legal and economic contexts.
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Examples of usage
- Apple Inc. is a multinational technology company.
- Many young professionals dream of starting their own company.
- The company's annual revenue reached a record high this year.
group
A company can also refer to a group of people who come together for a particular purpose, such as companionship or social interaction.
Synonyms
association, companionship, group.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| company |
It can also be used to describe a group of people coming together for social purposes, similar to its second meaning.
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| companionship |
This word is best used when talking about the positive relationship or bond between individuals, often emphasizing emotional support and friendship.
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| association |
This word is typically used to refer to a group of people who come together for a specific purpose or interest. It often has a formal connotation.
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| group |
Use this word when referring to an assembly or collection of individuals or things, usually with less formal connotations than 'association' and more general than 'company'.
|
Examples of usage
- She enjoyed the company of her friends at the party.
- The elderly man appreciated the company of his grandchildren.
- I don't mind being alone, but I do miss having some company.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- In the 17th century, 'company' became associated with organized trading enterprises, like the British East India Company.
- Many early companies were created for exploration and trade, influencing global commerce significantly.
- The rise of the joint-stock company in the 1600s allowed more investors to share in the profits and risks of business ventures.
Pop Culture
- The musical 'Company' by Stephen Sondheim explores themes of relationships and the nature of being single in modern society.
- In film, companies often represent larger themes, demonstrating characters' growth or challenges, as seen in corporate dramas.
- Social media companies have reshaped how we interact and connect with each other on a global scale.
Business
- Companies can be classified in various forms, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.
- The corporate world has seen a shift toward social responsibility, with many companies now prioritizing sustainability.
- Startups are a fresh concept representing new companies that aim for rapid growth, particularly in technology.
Psychology
- Having company can influence our mood positively, as human beings tend to thrive on social interactions.
- The concept of company plays a crucial role in psychological well-being, often reducing feelings of loneliness.
- Organizations often focus on team dynamics, understanding that effective collaboration improves productivity and job satisfaction.
Origin of 'company'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'company' comes from the Latin 'companio', meaning 'one who eats bread with another', implying companionship.
- Originally, company referred to a group of people who shared meals together, reflecting social interactions.
- The word evolved in the Middle Ages to represent groups of merchants or traders working together.
The word 'company' has its origins in the Old French word 'compaignie', which means 'society, friendship, intimacy'. It entered the English language in the 13th century. Over time, the meaning of 'company' evolved to include both a commercial business entity and a group of people. The concept of company has been central to human social and economic interactions throughout history.
See also: companies.