Salary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฐ
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salary

[หˆsรฆlษ™ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

work

A fixed regular payment, typically paid on a monthly or biweekly basis, made by an employer to an employee.

Synonyms

compensation, pay, wage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
salary

Generally used to describe the regular payment, often on a monthly basis, that an employee receives, typically for a professional job or position.

  • She receives a competitive salary for her role as a software engineer.
  • His annual salary includes bonuses and stock options.
wage

Typically refers to the payment received on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis, often for manual or unskilled work.

  • Factory workers receive their wages every Friday.
  • The minimum wage in this state has recently increased.
pay

A more casual or general term for the money an employee earns from work. It can be used to describe both salaries and wages.

  • She was satisfied with her pay after the recent raise.
  • The job offers good pay and flexible hours.
compensation

A broader term that encompasses everything an employee receives in exchange for their work, including salary, bonuses, benefits, and stock options.

  • The total compensation package for the executive role is quite lucrative.
  • Employee compensation includes health insurance and retirement benefits.

Examples of usage

  • She received her salary at the end of the month.
  • The company offers competitive salaries to attract top talent.
  • His salary was increased after his promotion.
  • Teachers often feel undervalued due to their low salaries.
  • Negotiating a higher salary can be challenging.
Context #2 | Noun

society

The financial consideration paid by an employer to an employee, especially in the context of a professional or white-collar job.

Synonyms

earnings, income, remuneration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
salary

This is a fixed regular payment made by an employer to an employee, usually monthly or biweekly, often expressed as an annual sum. Commonly used in professional and office settings.

  • John receives his salary at the end of every month.
  • Her salary was increased after she was promoted.
remuneration

This is a formal term that refers to the total compensation an employee receives for their services, including salary, bonuses, and any other benefits. Often used in legal, business, or official documentation.

  • The board of directors discussed the CEO's remuneration package.
  • Employees are entitled to remuneration for any overtime worked.
income

This is a broad term that encompasses all money received by an individual or entity, including salary, investments, business profits, and other sources. It is often used in financial and tax contexts.

  • His income includes salary and rental income from his properties.
  • They have a diversified income, with money coming from several sources.
earnings

This refers to the total amount of money a person makes from all sources, including salary, bonuses, and other incomes. It is often used in financial contexts and can refer to both individuals and companies.

  • The company's earnings have increased significantly this quarter.
  • She reported her annual earnings to the tax authority.

Examples of usage

  • Professionals in the city often enjoy higher salaries.
  • Some companies offer bonuses on top of the base salary.
  • The salary range for this position is between $50,000 and $70,000.
  • She negotiated a competitive salary package with the new company.
  • The salary scale is determined by years of experience.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Development

  • In medieval times, salaries were often paid in goods or food, not just money.
  • The industrial revolution saw the establishment of fixed salaries, making it easier to manage large workforces.
  • Labor unions emerged in the late 19th century, fighting for better salaries and working conditions for workers.

Modern Context

  • Today, salaries can vary widely based on job titles and industries, with tech and finance often offering higher salaries.
  • The concept of a 'living wage' has gained importance, advocating for salaries that meet basic living costs.
  • Salary negotiations are now common in the hiring process, allowing candidates to discuss and agree on pay.

Culture

  • In many cultures, discussing salary openly is considered taboo, whereas others encourage transparency.
  • The phrase 'salaryman' in Japan refers to a typical office worker, reflecting the cultural significance of steady employment and income.
  • Salaries are often tied to identity in many societies, influencing social status and personal self-worth.

Psychology

  • Research shows that salary can impact job satisfaction, but a higher salary doesn't always equate to a happier employee.
  • Perceived fairness in salary among peers can influence teamwork and workplace harmony.
  • Studies suggest that recognition and appreciation can often be just as important as salary in maintaining motivation.

Origin of 'salary'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'salarium', which was payment made to soldiers for the purchase of salt, a valuable commodity.
  • In ancient Rome, salt was a crucial resource, and those who worked hard were rewarded with โ€˜salariumโ€™ as part of their wages.
  • The connection between salt and salaries explains why we sometimes hear the word 'worth one's salt' to describe someone's value.

The word 'salary' originated from the Latin word 'salarium', which referred to an allowance or payment made in salt. In ancient Rome, soldiers were often paid in salt, as it was a valuable commodity. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent a regular payment made to employees. The concept of salary has since become a fundamental aspect of employment contracts and labor relations.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,374, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.