Enterprise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ผ
Add to dictionary

enterprise

[หˆษ›ntษ™rหŒpraษชz ]

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?

arrow down
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?

arrow down
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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'enterprise'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'enterprise' originated from the Old French 'entreprise', which comes from the Latin 'in' (into) + 'prendere' (to take). The term evolved over time to refer to a business or undertaking, reflecting the concept of seizing opportunities and taking on challenges. The modern usage of 'enterprise' encompasses a wide range of commercial, industrial, and adventurous activities.


See also: entering, entry.

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.