Merchant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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merchant
[ˈməːtʃ(ə)nt ]
Definitions
business
A person or company involved in trade or commerce, especially one that sells goods to the public.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| merchant |
Primarily used in formal contexts or historical references to describe someone who buys and sells goods in large amounts.
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| trader |
Can be used to describe someone who buys and sells financial instruments, commodities, or goods. It's common in modern financial contexts.
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| retailer |
Refers to a business or person that sells goods directly to consumers, usually in small quantities.
|
| vendor |
Refers to someone who sells goods, often in informal settings like markets or street stalls. It can also be used for businesses that supply goods or services to other businesses.
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Examples of usage
- The merchant at the market had a wide variety of products for sale.
- Online merchants often offer discounts to attract customers.
history
In historical contexts, a merchant is someone who is involved in the buying and selling of goods, often traveling long distances to trade.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| merchant |
This term is commonly used for someone who buys and sells goods, often in a store or via a platform. It has a traditional and somewhat formal tone.
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| trader |
The term 'trader' is often used for someone who buys and sells financial instruments like stocks, bonds, or currencies. It can also refer to someone who trades goods, particularly in the past.
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| dealer |
This term typically refers to someone who buys and sells specific types of goods, like cars, art, or drugs (in the latter case, it has a negative connotation). It can also be part of business jargon.
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| entrepreneur |
This word describes someone who starts and runs their own business, often implying innovation and risk-taking. It has a modern and positive connotation.
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Examples of usage
- During the age of exploration, merchants played a key role in global trade.
- Medieval merchants traded spices along the Silk Road.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'merchant'
The word 'merchant' originated from the Old French 'marchant', which is derived from the Latin 'mercari' meaning 'to trade'. Merchants have been essential figures in the history of commerce, facilitating trade between different regions and cultures. From ancient times to the modern era, merchants have shaped economies and societies through their commercial activities.