Proprietor: meaning, definitions and examples

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proprietor

[prəˈpraɪətər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

business owner

A proprietor is a person who owns a business or property. They are responsible for managing and making decisions about their business or property.

Synonyms

boss, manager, owner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
proprietor	Typically used in formal contexts to refer to someone who owns a business, especially a small business or store. It implies legal ownership. The proprietor of the small bakery greeted each customer with a smile. As the proprietor of this bookstore, she takes great pride in her collection of rare books.
owner	Generally refers to someone who legally owns something, be it a business, property, or other asset. It is straightforward and widely applicable. The owner of the restaurant decided to redecorate the entire place. Being the owner of a successful company comes with its own set of challenges.
manager	Used in professional contexts to describe someone responsible for supervising staff and operations in a business or organization. It is neutral and can apply to various levels of responsibility. The manager of the sales team organized a meeting to discuss the quarterly targets. He was promoted to manager after showing exemplary leadership skills.
boss	Commonly used in everyday language to refer to someone in charge at work. It can be casual and is often used by employees when talking about their superior. My boss asked me to finish the report by end of day. She’s a tough boss, but she gets things done.

Examples of usage

The proprietor of the store is always there to greet customers.
As the proprietor of the hotel, he ensures that the guests have a comfortable stay.
The small bakery is run by a local proprietor.
She inherited the business from her father and became the proprietor.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'proprietarius', meaning 'owner' or 'landholder', highlighting its historical roots in property ownership.
In Middle English, the term evolved from 'proprietour', showing how language transforms over time.

Business

In a business context, proprietors can be sole owners or partners in a company responsible for its operations and decisions.
The term is often associated with small businesses, distinguishing single ownership from corporations.

Legal Aspects

In legal terms, a proprietor has specific rights and responsibilities, such as being liable for debts and obligations of the business.
Proprietors often need licenses or permits to operate, ensuring they follow local laws and regulations.

Cultural Impact

Throughout history, proprietors have played pivotal roles in local economies, shaping community identities through their businesses.
The rise of proprietorship has influenced entrepreneurship, showcasing individual creativity and business management in various cultures.

Literature

In literature, proprietors often symbolize both wealth and the burdens of ownership, depicted in works that explore class and society.
Famous stories often feature proprietors as key characters, contributing to the narrative of ambition, conflict, and community.

Translations

Translations of the word "proprietor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 proprietário

🇮🇳 मालिक

🇩🇪 Eigentümer

🇮🇩 pemilik

🇺🇦 власник

🇵🇱 właściciel

🇯🇵 所有者

🇫🇷 propriétaire

🇪🇸 propietario

🇹🇷 sahip

🇰🇷 소유자

🇸🇦 مالك

🇨🇿 vlastník

🇸🇰 vlastník

🇨🇳 所有者

🇸🇮 lastnik

🇮🇸 eigandi

🇰🇿 иесі

🇬🇪 მფლობელი

🇦🇿 sahib

🇲🇽 propietario

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,980 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6977 ban
6978 suspicious
6979 fixtures
6980 proprietor
6981 belly
6982 plague
6983 urging
...