Customer: meaning, definitions and examples

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customer

[ˈkʌstəmər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

business

A person or organization that buys goods or services from a store or business.

Synonyms

buyer, client, consumer, shopper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
customer	Used for a person who buys goods or services from a store or business, generally on a regular or formal basis. The customer asked for a refund because the product was defective. We always try to listen to our customers to improve our service.
client	Used for a person or organization that uses professional services, such as those provided by lawyers, accountants, or consultants. This word implies a more formal and ongoing relationship. The consultant met with her client to discuss the new project. Our firm values each client and strives to offer personalized solutions.
shopper	Used informally to refer to someone who is browsing or buying items, typically in a retail environment. It often has a more casual connotation. The mall was filled with shoppers looking for holiday deals. As a savvy shopper, she always compares prices before making a purchase.
buyer	Used for someone who purchases something, often in contexts involving large or significant transactions. Can also imply more consideration and decision-making. The buyer made an offer on the house that was too good to refuse. She's a regular buyer at the local farmers' market.
consumer	Used to describe a person who uses goods or services. Often used in economic or marketing contexts to talk about general purchasing behavior. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases. The study aims to understand consumer preferences and behaviors.

Examples of usage

The company has loyal customers who always come back.
As a customer, you have the right to return faulty products.
The store offers discounts to attract more customers.
Good customer service is essential for retaining clients.
The online platform allows customers to place orders easily.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

A person who buys goods or services for personal use rather than for resale.

Synonyms

buyer, client, consumer, purchaser.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
customer	Best used when referring to someone who frequently buys goods or services from a particular shop or business. The store values every customer who walks through its doors. They always satisfy customer needs with high-quality products.
purchaser	Commonly used when discussing someone who has recently purchased something, often in legal or financial documents. The purchaser agreed to the terms of the sales contract. Responsibility for the item shifts to the purchaser upon delivery.
client	Used when referring to someone who receives professional services such as legal, financial, or consultancy services. The lawyer met with her client to discuss the case. Our firm always puts the client's interests first.
buyer	This term is often used in more formal or business contexts, especially when talking about someone who makes large purchases, such as in real estate or procurement. The potential buyer inspected the house before making an offer. Buyers at the auction competed fiercely for the rare painting.
consumer	Typically used in economic or academic contexts to refer to someone who uses goods and services. It emphasizes the role of the end user. Consumers are advised to read the instructions carefully before use. The new law aims to protect consumer rights.

Examples of usage

The customer was browsing through the products on display.
She is a regular customer of that particular bakery.
The shop assistant greeted each customer with a smile.
Customers appreciate the convenience of online shopping.
The customer paid for the items at the checkout counter.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'custodire,' meaning 'to take care of,' which reflects how businesses take care of their customers.
It was first used in the late 15th century, originally meaning 'one who frequents a place.'

Business

Customer service is vital to businesses as happy customers tend to return and refer others.
Different types of customers include loyal, impulse, and discount shoppers, each with unique shopping habits.

Psychology

The 'customer decision process' includes stages like need recognition, information search, evaluation of alternatives, purchase, and post-purchase evaluation.
Psychological factors, such as perceived value and emotional connections, significantly influence customer shopping behavior.

Pop Culture

Movies and TV shows often depict customers in comedic and exaggerated ways, highlighting their expectations from service providers.
Popular ad campaigns often focus on the phrase 'the customer is always right,' emphasizing the importance of customer satisfaction.

Technology

The rise of online shopping has transformed the customer experience, allowing for personalized recommendations based on past purchases.
New technologies, like chatbots, are improving customer service by providing instant assistance to shoppers online.

Translations

Translations of the word "customer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cliente

🇮🇳 ग्राहक

🇩🇪 Kunde

🇮🇩 pelanggan

🇺🇦 клієнт

🇵🇱 klient

🇯🇵 顧客 (こきゃく)

🇫🇷 client

🇪🇸 cliente

🇹🇷 müşteri

🇰🇷 고객 (gogaek)

🇸🇦 زبون

🇨🇿 zákazník

🇸🇰 zákazník

🇨🇳 顾客 (gùkè)

🇸🇮 stranka

🇮🇸 viðskiptavinur

🇰🇿 тұтынушы

🇬🇪 მომხმარებელი

🇦🇿 müştəri

🇲🇽 cliente

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,610, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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