Corporate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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corporate

[ˈkɔːpərət ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

business

Relating to a large company or group.

Synonyms

business, commercial, company.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
corporate

Used to describe things related to large companies or the culture within them, often implying a formal or structured environment. Frequently used in legal, financial, or business strategy discussions.

  • She works in the corporate sector.
  • The company has a strong corporate culture.
company

A noun that refers to an organization or entity engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities. It can be used for businesses of all sizes.

  • She joined the company as an intern.
  • The company announced record profits last quarter.
business

A general term that refers to any commercial or professional activity. It can describe anything from running a small shop to managing a large multi-national company.

  • He started his own business selling handmade crafts.
  • Business is booming in the tech industry.
commercial

Typically used to refer to activities related to the buying and selling of goods and services. Often has a focus on profit and market transactions.

  • They launched a new commercial product last month.
  • Her career started in commercial real estate.

Examples of usage

  • The corporate world can be very competitive.
  • She works in corporate finance.
  • Our corporate headquarters is located in New York.
  • The company has a corporate culture of innovation and collaboration.
  • Corporate social responsibility is an important aspect of our business.
Context #2 | Noun

business

A large company or group.

Synonyms

company, enterprise, firm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
corporate

This term is usually used to describe something related to large businesses or corporations and is often used in a formal business context.

  • The corporate office is located in New York.
  • Corporate policies must be followed by all employees.
company

This is a general term for any business organization. It's used in both formal and informal contexts and can refer to small or large businesses.

  • She works for a technology company.
  • The company is launching a new product next month.
enterprise

This term is often used to describe businesses that are involved in impressively large or complex activities. It also suggests an element of risk and innovation.

  • Starting a new enterprise requires significant planning and investment.
  • His enterprise grew to become one of the largest in the industry.
firm

This word refers specifically to a business organization, typically one that provides services, like a law firm or an accounting firm. It is most often used in professional services contexts.

  • She joined a prestigious law firm after graduating.
  • The firm specializes in tax consultancy.

Examples of usage

  • The merger created a powerful corporate in the industry.
  • He rose through the ranks to become a corporate executive.
  • Many corporates are investing in sustainability initiatives.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Films like 'The Social Network' and 'The Intern' explore the vibrant, often cutthroat nature of corporate life, highlighting both its allure and challenges.
  • The term 'corporate' is often used in music, with songs reflecting on the work culture, like 'The Office' by The Auteurs that captures daily corporate life.
  • Well-known corporations often become symbols in themselves, with logos that evoke recognition globally, like the golden arches of fast-food chains.

Psychology

  • The corporate environment can significantly affect employee behavior, with studies indicating that positive cultures lead to higher job satisfaction.
  • Group dynamics in corporate settings can lead to phenomena like groupthink, where teams agree on decisions rather than critically analyzing options.
  • Research shows that the stress levels in corporate jobs can impact mental health, underscoring the importance of work-life balance.

History

  • The rise of corporations in the 19th century transformed economies, contributing to the Industrial Revolution and mass production.
  • Anti-corporate movements emerged in the 20th century, advocating for workers' rights and challenging corporate power in politics.
  • Technological advances, especially in the late 20th century, have reshaped corporate structures, leading to the rise of tech giants over traditional industries.

Business

  • Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become vital, with many companies adopting practices that benefit society and the environment.
  • The term 'corporate culture' refers to the shared values and behaviors within an organization, influencing everything from decision-making to teamwork.
  • Mergers and acquisitions often shape the corporate landscape, as companies join forces to enhance competitive advantage or diversify offerings.

Origin of 'corporate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'corporate' comes from the Latin 'corpus', meaning 'body', reflecting how many people come together to form a single company.
  • In the 1600s, the term began to be used to describe groups of people cooperating for a common purpose, like founding a company.
  • The concept of a legal 'corporation' emerged in medieval Europe, establishing rules for shared ownership and liability.

The word 'corporate' originates from the Latin word 'corporatus', which means 'formed into a body'. It first appeared in English in the late 15th century. Initially used in the context of a unified body or group of people, its modern usage in business and organizational settings evolved over time. Today, 'corporate' is commonly associated with large companies, business structures, and group entities.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,104, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.