Enterprises: meaning, definitions and examples

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enterprises

[ˈɛntərˌpraɪzɪz ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

business organization

Enterprises are businesses or companies, typically characterized by their size and scale of operations. They are often involved in the production or distribution of goods and services.

Synonyms

businesses, companies, corporations, firms.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enterprises	Generally used to describe adventurous, new or particularly innovative businesses. Often implies a degree of risk or entrepreneurial spirit. They started several enterprises in the tech industry Social enterprises aim to improve community welfare
companies	Commonly refers to any formal business organization. It’s often used interchangeably with 'businesses' but slightly more formal. Several tech companies have headquarters in Silicon Valley Our company values innovation and customer service
businesses	A broad, generic term for any kind of commercial activity or organization engaged in selling goods or services. Suitable for general usage. Many small businesses struggled during the economic downturn She owns a chain of successful businesses
firms	Often used to describe smaller, professional service providers such as legal, consulting, or accounting firms. Can also imply a partnership structure. She works at a prominent law firm downtown Consulting firms offer strategic advice to businesses
corporations	Specifically refers to large and formally structured business entities that are registered as corporations. Often associated with extensive regulations and a higher level of corporate governance. Corporations are expected to follow strict environmental guidelines Multinational corporations impact global markets

Examples of usage

Many enterprises in the tech industry are constantly innovating.
Small enterprises play a vital role in the local economy.
Global enterprises often have offices in multiple countries.
The government supports small enterprises through funding programs.
Entrepreneurs often start their own enterprises to pursue their business ideas.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originated from the Old French word 'entreprise,' meaning 'an undertaking or project.'
In Middle English, it was used to describe an undertaking that someone would begin.
The root 'entre' means 'to enter,' emphasizing the idea of starting something new.

Business History

The rise of enterprises in the Industrial Revolution marked a significant shift from agriculture to manufacturing.
Large-scale enterprises became prominent during the 18th and 19th centuries, leading to advancements in technology and infrastructure.
The creation of corporations in the 19th century allowed for enterprises to pool resources and share risks.

Pop Culture

References to enterprises can be found in popular films about business, like 'The Social Network,' which chronicles the rise of Facebook.
In the world of video games, titles such as 'SimCity' or 'RollerCoaster Tycoon' allow players to run enterprises and manage resources.
The concept has inspired numerous reality TV shows focused on entrepreneurship, showing the ups and downs of running a business.

Economic Impact

Small enterprises are crucial to economies, often providing the majority of jobs in many countries.
Social enterprises aim to address social issues while being financially sustainable, merging profit and purpose.
Startups frequently emerge from innovative ideas, leading to enterprise growth and potential market disruption.

Education

Teaching about enterprises is essential in business curricula, covering topics like management and entrepreneurship.
Many universities offer incubator programs to support new enterprises, providing mentorship and resources.
Entrepreneurship courses often engage students with hands-on projects to simulate real-world enterprise challenges.

Translations

Translations of the word "enterprises" in other languages:

🇵🇹 empresas

🇮🇳 उद्यम

🇩🇪 Unternehmen

🇮🇩 perusahaan

🇺🇦 підприємства

🇵🇱 przedsiębiorstwa

🇯🇵 企業 (きぎょう)

🇫🇷 entreprises

🇪🇸 empresas

🇹🇷 şirketler

🇰🇷 기업 (기업)

🇸🇦 مؤسسات

🇨🇿 podniky

🇸🇰 podniky

🇨🇳 企业 (qǐyè)

🇸🇮 podjetja

🇮🇸 fyrirtæki

🇰🇿 кәсіпорындар

🇬🇪 კომპანიები

🇦🇿 müəssisələr

🇲🇽 empresas

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,369, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3366 ruling
3367 sharing
3368 transmitted
3369 enterprises
3370 magazine
3371 undoubtedly
3372 creative
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