Purchasing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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purchasing
[ˈpɜːrtʃəsɪŋ ]
Definitions
business
The act of buying goods or services.
Synonyms
acquiring, buying, procurement.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| purchasing |
Typically used in everyday contexts or business environments to describe the process of obtaining goods or services in exchange for money. It can refer to both small and large transactions.
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| buying |
Commonly used in everyday speech, it refers directly to the act of purchasing something with money. It is less formal than 'purchasing' and 'acquiring'.
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| acquiring |
Often used in formal or business contexts, it can refer to obtaining something through effort, negotiation, or by other means beyond simple purchase. It can also refer to gaining knowledge or skills.
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| procurement |
A technical term often used in business or governmental contexts to describe the process of finding and acquiring goods or services, usually with a focus on the process itself including negotiation and adherence to regulations.
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Examples of usage
- Purchasing new equipment for the office is essential for productivity.
- She is in charge of purchasing supplies for the restaurant.
economics
The process of acquiring goods or services to meet the needs of an organization.
Synonyms
acquisition, buying, procurement.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| purchasing |
General term for obtaining goods or services in exchange for money, used in both everyday and business contexts.
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| procurement |
Used primarily in formal or business contexts, especially when referring to the process of obtaining goods or services in a structured or regulated manner.
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| acquisition |
Often used in business contexts to describe obtaining assets, companies, or large items, and can also mean the act of gaining knowledge or skills.
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| buying |
Commonly used in everyday situations to describe the act of obtaining items in exchange for money, often on a smaller scale or for personal use.
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Examples of usage
- Efficient purchasing can lead to cost savings for the company.
- The purchasing department is responsible for managing supplier relationships.
online shopping
The act of buying products or services over the internet.
Synonyms
e-commerce, online shopping.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| purchasing |
Refers to the act of buying something, often used in formal or business contexts to describe acquiring goods or services.
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| online shopping |
Refers to the activity of buying goods or services over the internet, often used in a casual or consumer-focused context.
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| e-commerce |
Describes the buying and selling of goods or services using the internet. Commonly used in discussions about online businesses and digital transactions.
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Examples of usage
- Online purchasing has become increasingly popular in recent years.
- She prefers online purchasing because of the convenience.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Economics
- Purchasing decisions often involve factors like price, quality, and necessity, shaping markets and consumer behaviors.
- In economics, the 'purchasing power' refers to the amount of goods or services that can be bought with a given amount of money.
- Bulk purchasing often leads to economies of scale, allowing for lower prices per unit.
Cultural Aspects
- Different cultures have unique purchasing habits; for example, bargain hunting is valued in some societies, while brand loyalty is prioritized in others.
- In Japan, there's a trend of 'Omotenashi', or hospitality, influencing how consumers experience the purchasing process.
- Seasonal purchasing trends can be observed in cultures worldwide, such as holiday shopping sprees during festive periods.
Technology
- The rise of e-commerce has transformed purchasing, allowing consumers to buy almost anything online with just a few clicks.
- Mobile apps have made purchasing more convenient, often featuring personalized recommendations based on past buying behavior.
- Digital wallets and contactless payment methods have revolutionized how people complete transactions, increasing speed and security.
Psychology
- The concept of 'loss aversion' explains why consumers may feel more motivated to purchase when they fear missing out on a deal.
- Colors and branding significantly affect purchasing behavior; for instance, red often creates a sense of urgency.
- Social proof, such as reviews and ratings, can heavily influence purchasing decisions by validating choices.
Origin of 'purchasing'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'purchasing' comes from the Middle English word 'purchece', which traces back to the Latin 'purchasare' meaning 'to buy, acquire'.
- Many languages have similar roots; for example, the Italian 'comprare', which also means to buy.
- 'Purchasing' reflects both the action of buying and the economic relationships that form around the act.
The word 'purchasing' originates from the Middle English word 'purchasen', which means 'to acquire, buy'. It has roots in the Anglo-French word 'purchacer' and the Latin word 'purchasare'. The concept of purchasing has been essential throughout history, evolving from bartering to modern-day transactions. The practice of purchasing goods and services has played a crucial role in the development of commerce and trade.
See also: purchasable, purchaser, purchasers.