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Enterprise: meaning, definitions and examples

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enterprise

 

[ˈɛntərˌpraɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business

A business or company. An enterprise is an organization involved in commercial, industrial, or professional activities.

Synonyms

business, company, firm, organization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enterprise

Used to refer to a large, complex, or ambitious project or venture, often with connotations of innovation and risk.

  • Launching a new space tourism enterprise requires a significant amount of capital and technological expertise.
  • Her innovative enterprise in renewable energy has attracted investors worldwide.
company

A formal term for a commercial or industrial organization, more official and often used in corporate or legal contexts.

  • She works for a company that manufactures medical devices.
  • The company announced its financial results for the quarter.
business

A general term often used to refer to commercial activities or a commercial entity engaged in buying and selling goods or services for profit.

  • He started his own business selling handmade jewelry online.
  • The restaurant business is very competitive in this city.
firm

Typically refers to a business, usually of a smaller to medium size, and often used in the context of professional services such as law, accounting, or consulting.

  • He is a partner at a prestigious law firm in the city.
  • The firm specializes in financial consulting for tech startups.
organization

A broader term that can refer to any organized group of people with a particular purpose, including nonprofits, governments, and businesses.

  • The nonprofit organization works to provide clean water in developing countries.
  • She joined an environmental organization to help combat climate change.

Examples of usage

  • The new software company is a promising enterprise in the tech industry.
  • Our family has been running a successful enterprise for over three generations.
Context #2 | Noun

venture

A project or undertaking, typically one that is difficult or requires effort. An enterprise can also refer to a bold, challenging, or risky endeavor.

Synonyms

endeavor, project, undertaking, venture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enterprise

Use this word when referring to large-scale business activities or ambitious new ventures. It often implies a complex, organized effort, typically by a company.

  • The innovative tech enterprise is set to revolutionize the industry.
  • Starting a new enterprise in the current economic climate is challenging.
venture

Best used for risky or speculative business activities that involve potential gains and losses. It has a connotation of adventure and innovation.

  • The startup is a new venture aimed at disrupting the financial sector.
  • They decided to invest in a joint venture to expand their market reach.
undertaking

Commonly used to describe a somewhat challenging or long-term task or project. It often suggests a sense of responsibility or seriousness.

  • Renovating the old theater was a massive undertaking for the community.
  • Starting a new job in a different country is a significant undertaking.
project

Applicable to specific tasks or pieces of work with a defined beginning and end. Often used in professional, academic, or construction contexts.

  • The construction project is set to be completed by next year.
  • We are working on a marketing project to boost sales in the next quarter.
endeavor

Suitable for indicating serious attempts or efforts to achieve a goal. It is often used when emphasizing the hard work and determination involved.

  • Her endeavor to climb Mount Everest showed her remarkable resilience.
  • Scientific endeavor has led to groundbreaking discoveries in medicine.

Examples of usage

  • Starting a new business is always a risky enterprise.
  • The expedition to climb Mount Everest was a daring enterprise.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'entreprendre', which means 'to undertake'.
  • It originally referred to the act of undertaking a journey or adventure around the 14th century.
  • In the 18th century, it began to be used more commonly in the context of business and industry.

Business and Economy

  • In modern usage, 'enterprise' often refers to large business ventures, such as corporations or startups.
  • Entrepreneurship is a key aspect of enterprise, highlighting innovation and risk-taking in the business world.
  • Small enterprises are crucial for local economies, providing jobs and fostering community development.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'Enterprise' is famously used in the title of the starship in the 'Star Trek' series, representing exploration and adventure.
  • In popular language, 'enterprise' can describe ambitious projects, such as charity drives or community initiatives.
  • Various films and books use 'enterprise' as a thematic element, showcasing characters' quests for success.

Science and Technology

  • In technology, 'enterprise software' refers to applications that serve the needs of large organizations, enhancing productivity.
  • Space exploration missions are sometimes referred to as 'enterprises', emphasizing the collaborative efforts required.
  • Homework and school projects are often referred to as 'enterprises' to instill a sense of responsibility.

Psychology

  • 'Enterprise' projects can significantly boost motivation and self-esteem as individuals work towards a goal.
  • Group enterprises encourage teamwork, fostering social skills and emotional intelligence among participants.
  • Pursuing an enterprise can lead to a state of 'flow', where individuals become fully immersed in their tasks, leading to greater satisfaction.

Translations

Translations of the word "enterprise" in other languages:

🇵🇹 empresa

🇮🇳 उद्यम

🇩🇪 Unternehmen

🇮🇩 perusahaan

🇺🇦 підприємство

🇵🇱 przedsiębiorstwo

🇯🇵 企業 (きぎょう)

🇫🇷 entreprise

🇪🇸 empresa

🇹🇷 şirket

🇰🇷 기업 (기업)

🇸🇦 مؤسسة

🇨🇿 podnik

🇸🇰 podnik

🇨🇳 企业 (qǐyè)

🇸🇮 podjetje

🇮🇸 fyrirtæki

🇰🇿 кәсіпорын

🇬🇪 კომპანია

🇦🇿 şirkət

🇲🇽 empresa

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,465, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.