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Surcharge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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surcharge

[ˈsɜː.tʃɑːdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

financial

An additional charge or payment over and above the usual amount.

Synonyms

additional fee, extra charge, premium.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surcharge

This term is often used in formal contexts, such as legal documents, insurance policies, and official communications. It can imply an extra cost added to the original price for various reasons, such as a service fee or a penalty.

  • There is a 10% surcharge for late payments.
  • The airline has added a fuel surcharge due to rising oil prices.
extra charge

Similar to 'additional fee', this phrase is often used in everyday language and is easily understood. It indicates an extra amount that needs to be paid besides the usual cost.

  • There's an extra charge for luggage over the weight limit.
  • Parking here overnight will incur an extra charge.
additional fee

This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate any extra cost that is added to the base price. It's straightforward and easy to understand.

  • There is an additional fee for expedited shipping.
  • Please note that the cleaning service requires an additional fee.
premium

This term is often used in professional and commercial settings to refer to a higher price paid for superior quality or exclusive features. It can also denote an insurance payment.

  • Customers are willing to pay a premium for organic products.
  • She pays a monthly premium for her health insurance.

Examples of usage

  • The airline imposed a surcharge on oversized luggage.
  • There will be a surcharge for deliveries outside of regular business hours.
Context #2 | Verb

financial

To impose an additional charge or fee on top of the original cost.

Synonyms

add an extra charge, levy a fee, put a premium on.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surcharge

Used when referring to an additional charge on top of the usual price, often seen with services or utilities. This word can have a negative connotation as it implies extra cost.

  • The credit card company added a surcharge for international transactions.
  • A fuel surcharge was included in the price of the airline tickets.
add an extra charge

Used in everyday situations when someone needs to inform about an additional cost being added. It is a straightforward phrase without any formal or negative connotation.

  • The hotel decided to add an extra charge for late check-outs.
  • If you want a personalized message on the cake, the bakery will add an extra charge.
levy a fee

Often used in a more formal or official setting, such as government or financial institutions. It can carry a sense of authority.

  • The government decided to levy a fee on plastic bags to reduce environmental waste.
  • The bank will levy a fee for early withdrawal from the fixed deposit account.
put a premium on

Used when placing special importance or high value on something that justifies an extra cost. This phrase is generally more positive.

  • The company puts a premium on customer satisfaction and offers 24/7 support, even if it costs more.
  • Organic produce often comes with a premium because of the higher quality and sustainable farming practices.

Examples of usage

  • The restaurant surcharged customers for using credit cards.
  • The company surcharged customers for rush orders.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Surcharges are often used by businesses to cover increased costs, such as fuel surcharges by airlines when fuel prices rise.
  • During peak seasons, many industries impose surcharges to manage demand, such as higher hotel rates during holidays.
  • Government agencies may implement surcharges as taxes to fund public services, such as surcharges on certain utility bills.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, you might hear characters complain about surcharges on concert tickets as part of the storyline about unfair pricing.
  • The term has been parodied in various comedy shows, where characters exaggerate the absurdity of extra fees added to everyday purchases.
  • Popular songs have referenced unexpected costs, with surcharges being a metaphor for life's little surprises.

Consumer Awareness

  • Understanding surcharges helps consumers make informed decisions, avoiding surprises when shopping or traveling.
  • Regulatory bodies in some countries require businesses to clearly disclose surcharges to protect consumers from hidden costs.
  • Many shoppers advocate for transparency regarding surcharges, pushing companies to explain why extra fees are necessary.

Technology

  • With the rise of online shopping, many eCommerce sites have begun implementing different types of surcharges, especially for expedited shipping.
  • In the tech world, subscription services may add surcharges for premium content beyond the basic service, tapping into consumer demand for exclusivity.
  • Surcharges can also apply to digital services, like streaming platforms that might charge extra for higher video quality or additional features.

Origin of 'surcharge'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'surcharge', blending 'sur' meaning 'over' and 'charge' meaning 'to demand payment'.
  • It was first recorded in the English language in the late 14th century, initially relating to overloading or excessive burdens.
  • In French, 'surcharge' translates directly to 'overcharge', emphasizing the additional nature of the charge.

The word 'surcharge' originated in the mid-17th century, combining the prefix 'sur-' (meaning over or above) with 'charge'. It has been used in financial contexts to denote an additional fee or payment beyond the regular amount.

See also: chargeable, charged, charger, charges, charging, decharging, discharge, overcharge, recharge, supercharger.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,599, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.