Shopping: meaning, definitions and examples

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shopping

 

[หˆสƒษ’pษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

online

The activity of buying goods from stores or websites.

Synonyms

acquiring, buying, purchasing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shopping

This word is used when you are talking about the activity of visiting stores to buy items or just to look at them. It often implies a more casual, everyday activity.

  • She went shopping for new clothes
  • We spent the afternoon shopping at the mall
purchasing

This term is often used in formal business contexts or when referring to more substantial or official transactions.

  • The company is purchasing new equipment
  • She handled the purchasing for the office supplies
buying

This is the most common and straightforward term for exchanging money for goods or services. It's neutral and can be used in both casual and formal situations.

  • She is buying groceries for dinner
  • They are thinking about buying a new house
acquiring

This term fits more formal situations or when you are obtaining something significant or valuable, often over a period of time or through some effort.

  • He is acquiring new skills through his job
  • They are focused on acquiring new companies to expand their business

Examples of usage

  • I love online shopping for clothes.
  • She enjoys shopping for groceries online.
Context #2 | Noun

in person

The act of visiting stores or markets to purchase goods.

Synonyms

buying, purchasing, retail therapy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shopping

This is a duplicate entry and the same as the first entry. It encompasses the general activity of going out or browsing online to make purchases.

  • We spent the weekend shopping for furniture.
  • I am planning to go shopping this afternoon.
retail therapy

This phrase is used to describe shopping with the primary purpose of improving one's mood, rather than out of necessity. It has a somewhat humorous or light-hearted connotation.

  • After a stressful week, she indulged in some retail therapy.
  • He believes in the power of retail therapy to lift his spirits.
purchasing

This is a more formal term often used in business or official contexts when referring to the act of buying something.

  • The company is purchasing new equipment.
  • He is in charge of purchasing office supplies.
buying

This term is specifically focused on the action of acquiring something by paying money for it. It is often used in both formal and everyday contexts.

  • He's buying a new car tomorrow.
  • I am considering buying this book.

Examples of usage

  • I prefer shopping in person to see the products before buying.
  • We went shopping together at the mall.
Context #3 | Noun

leisure

The activity of browsing and purchasing items for pleasure or relaxation.

Synonyms

buying, purchasing, retail therapy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shopping

Duplicate entry for the general activity of going to stores. Usage context similar to the first entry.

  • We went shopping for holiday decorations
  • She spends her Saturdays shopping at the mall
retail therapy

A colloquial term used to describe shopping as a way to improve one's mood or reduce stress. It highlights the emotional aspect of shopping.

  • After a rough week at work, she indulged in some retail therapy
  • He finds retail therapy to be a great stress reliever
purchasing

Often used in more formal or business-like situations. It implies a more deliberate and considered acquisition.

  • They are purchasing new equipment for the office
  • The company is purchasing a rival business
buying

Refers specifically to the act of obtaining goods or services in exchange for money. It is the general verb used for purchasing items.

  • He is buying a new car next month
  • She was busy buying gifts for her family

Examples of usage

  • She finds shopping to be a relaxing activity.
  • We spent the afternoon shopping for gifts.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'shopping' comes from the 14th-century term 'shoppe,' which referred to a place where goods were sold.
  • In the early 1900s, department stores became popular in cities, changing how people shopped by offering many products under one roof.
  • Shopping malls emerged in the mid-20th century as a way to gather a variety of shops and create a social space for customers.

Cultural Impact

  • In many cultures, shopping is not just about buying items; it's also seen as a social activity where friends gather and enjoy time together.
  • Black Friday in the U.S. started as a way to kick off the holiday shopping season and has become a major event with huge sales.
  • In Japan, 'Shinto shopping' practices are observed where certain times are considered auspicious for making purchases.

Psychology

  • Shopping can trigger the brain's reward system, causing the release of dopamine which can lead to feelings of pleasure.
  • Many shoppers experience what is termed 'retail therapy,' where buying things can temporarily improve mood and reduce stress.
  • Impulse buying is a common behavioral phenomenon, where consumers make unplanned purchases often driven by emotions.

Technology

  • With the rise of the internet, online shopping became a convenient alternative, leading to significant changes in consumer habits.
  • Mobile shopping apps have made it easier than ever to shop on-the-go, giving consumers access to products at their fingertips.
  • Data analysis and AI are increasingly being used by retailers to understand consumer preferences and enhance the shopping experience.

Economics

  • Consumer spending, which includes shopping habits, plays a vital role in driving economic growth within countries.
  • Retail sales figures are used by economists as an indicator of the health of the economy, reflecting consumers' willingness to spend.
  • The growth of e-commerce has shifted traditional shopping patterns and has led to the closure of many brick-and-mortar stores.

Translations

Translations of the word "shopping" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น compras

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค–เคฐเฅ€เคฆเคพเคฐเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Einkaufen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ belanja

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพะบัƒะฟะบะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zakupy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ฒทใ„็‰ฉ (ใ‹ใ„ใ‚‚ใฎ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท courses

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ compras

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท alฤฑลŸveriลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‡ผํ•‘ (syoping)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุณูˆู‚ (tasawuq)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nรกkupy

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nรกkupy

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ดญ็‰ฉ (gรฒuwรน)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nakupovanje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ verslun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะฐั‚ั‹ะฟ ะฐะปัƒ (satyp alu)

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒแƒžแƒ˜แƒœแƒ’แƒ˜ (shoppingi)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ alฤฑลŸ-veriลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ compras

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,508 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.