Shop Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shop

[ʃɒp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

buying goods

A shop is a place where goods are sold to the public, typically a building or part of a building where people go to buy things they need or want. Shops can vary in size from small convenience stores to large department stores.

Synonyms

boutique, market, store.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shop	A general term for any place where you can buy things. Can be used for smaller places or specialized stores. I’m going to the shop to buy some milk. Let’s meet at the coffee shop on the corner.
store	A larger place than a shop where goods are sold. Typically used in American English to refer to supermarkets, department stores, or big-box stores. I need to go to the store to get groceries. He works at an electronics store.
boutique	A small, fancy shop that sells fashionable clothes or other items. Often implies exclusivity and higher prices. She bought that dress at a little boutique downtown. The boutique specializes in handmade jewelry.
market	An outdoor or indoor space where multiple vendors sell goods, often including fresh produce, crafts, and more. Can refer to farmers' markets or larger commercial markets. We visit the farmers' market every Saturday. I bought these spices at the local market.

Examples of usage

I'm going to the shop to buy some groceries.
The shop on the corner sells a variety of products.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

purchasing

To shop means to visit a store or stores in order to look at and buy goods. It can also refer to browsing or comparing products before making a purchase.

Synonyms

browse, buy, purchase.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shop	This word is used when someone is actively looking for items to buy, usually in physical stores or online. It implies exploring or browsing through various options. I plan to shop for a new dress this weekend. I enjoy shopping at the local farmers' market.
buy	This word is straightforward and used when someone actually makes a purchase. It is direct and simple. I need to buy some groceries. He bought a new phone yesterday.
purchase	This word is very similar to 'buy' but is often used in more formal or written contexts. It is considered slightly more formal. She decided to purchase a new laptop for work. The company purchased new office equipment.
browse	This word is often used when someone is casually looking through items without a strong intention to buy. They might be exploring or just looking around. I like to browse the internet for new recipes. She browsed through the bookstore without buying anything.

Examples of usage

She likes to shop for clothes on weekends.
We shopped around before deciding on a new laptop.

Translations

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

Origin of 'shop'

The word 'shop' originated from the Old English word 'sceoppa', which meant booth or shed. Over time, it evolved to refer to a place where goods are sold. The concept of shopping has been a part of human civilization for centuries, with markets and trading posts being early forms of shops.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,216, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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