Dictionary monolingual
English

Business

ˈbɪznəs
Extremely common
200 - 300
200 - 300
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Business -

Commercial activities undertaken to earn a profit

Example: She owns a small business selling handmade jewelry.
Usage: formalContext: business discussions, financial reports
Note: Refers to the overall activities of a company or organization aimed at generating revenue.

An organization or company engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities

Example: Microsoft is a multinational technology business.
Usage: formalContext: business reports, company profiles
Note: Used to refer to a specific entity or enterprise operating in a particular industry or sector.

A particular area of commercial activity or enterprise

Example: The fashion business is highly competitive.
Usage: formalContext: industry discussions, market analysis
Note: Can refer to a specific sector or field within the broader realm of commerce and trade.

An affair or matter that needs to be dealt with or attended to

Example: I have some urgent business to take care of.
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations, personal errands
Note: Used more casually to indicate tasks, activities, or issues that require attention.

Business's synonyms

company

A company refers to a commercial business organization engaged in a particular trade or industry.
Example: The company is expanding its operations overseas.
Note: While 'business' is a broader term, 'company' specifically refers to a formal organization with a specific structure and operations.

enterprise

An enterprise is a project or undertaking, especially a bold or complex one.
Example: She started her own enterprise in the tech industry.
Note: While 'business' can refer to any commercial activity, 'enterprise' often implies a more ambitious or innovative endeavor.

firm

A firm is a business concern, especially one involving a partnership of two or more people.
Example: He works at a law firm in the city.
Note: Unlike 'business,' 'firm' often emphasizes the structure and organization of a business, particularly in terms of partnerships.

corporation

A corporation is a large company or group of companies authorized to act as a single entity and recognized as such in law.
Example: The corporation announced record profits for the quarter.
Note: While 'business' is a general term, 'corporation' specifically refers to a legal entity that is distinct from its owners and has certain legal rights.

Business expressions, common phrases

Cutthroat competition

This phrase refers to fierce and intense competition where competitors will do anything to gain an advantage.
Example: The tech industry is known for its cutthroat competition where companies constantly try to outdo each other.
Note: The original word 'business' refers to commercial activities as a whole, while 'cutthroat competition' specifically emphasizes intense rivalry.

Bottom line

The bottom line refers to the final or ultimate result or outcome, especially in financial terms.
Example: At the end of the day, the bottom line is what matters most in any business - profitability.
Note: While 'business' is a broader term, 'bottom line' focuses specifically on the ultimate financial result.

Make a killing

To make a killing means to achieve a large financial gain or profit, often in a short period.
Example: The entrepreneur made a killing with her new product launch, raking in millions in profit.
Note: This phrase is more specific in highlighting a significant financial success within the realm of business.

Call the shots

To call the shots means to be in a position of authority where one makes the important decisions and controls the situation.
Example: As the CEO, he's the one who calls the shots and makes all the important decisions for the company.
Note: While 'business' is a general term, 'call the shots' emphasizes authority and decision-making power.

In the red

Being in the red means that a business is operating at a financial loss or deficit.
Example: The company has been operating in the red for the past two quarters, indicating financial losses.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to financial losses, unlike the broader term 'business'.

Close a deal

To close a deal means to successfully finalize a business agreement or transaction.
Example: After weeks of negotiations, they finally closed the deal with the new client.
Note: While 'business' refers to commercial activities in general, 'close a deal' focuses on the specific act of finalizing an agreement.

Cut corners

To cut corners means to take shortcuts or do something in the cheapest or easiest way, often resulting in lower quality.
Example: Some companies try to cut corners by using cheap materials, compromising on quality.
Note: This phrase highlights the practice of taking shortcuts, which may not align with ethical business practices.

Break even

Breaking even means reaching a point where total costs are equal to total revenue, resulting in neither profit nor loss.
Example: The new restaurant is projected to break even in its second year of operation, covering all its costs.
Note: This term specifically refers to the financial point at which a business covers all its costs, distinct from the broader concept of 'business'.

Behind the scenes

To work behind the scenes means to do important work or activities that are not visible to the public or are less recognized.
Example: While the CEO gets all the credit, it's the dedicated employees working behind the scenes who truly make the business successful.
Note: This phrase highlights the unseen or less acknowledged aspects of running a business, contrasting with the more visible aspects encompassed by the term 'business'.

Business everyday (slang) expressions

Hustle

To work hard and be proactive in achieving business goals.
Example: She's always on her grind, hustling to make her business successful.
Note: Different from simply conducting business; hustling implies a sense of urgency and determination.

Cash cow

A business, product, or idea that generates a steady and significant income.
Example: Their latest product became a real cash cow, bringing in huge profits.
Note: Contrast to a traditional cow, which gives milk. This phrase implies a source of steady financial gain.

Wheel and deal

To negotiate, make deals, and be involved in various business transactions.
Example: He's always wheeling and dealing, trying to secure the best contracts for his company.
Note: From the typical way of saying 'deal,' emphasizing a more active involvement in negotiations.

Bigwig

A person with great influence, importance, or authority within a company or industry.
Example: The bigwig of the company made an unexpected visit to the office today.
Note: Contrast to the literal meaning of 'big' and 'wig,' conveying prominence and seniority in a business setting.

Game plan

A strategy or plan of action designed to achieve a specific goal in business.
Example: We need to sit down and discuss our game plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
Note: Distinct from a literal sporting event 'game plan,' this refers to a strategic approach to business operations.

Cash out

To sell one's stake in a business or investment to realize profits.
Example: After years of hard work, he finally cashed out and sold his successful startup.
Note: Different from simply withdrawing cash; cashing out in business involves selling assets for financial gain.

Nine-to-five

A traditional full-time office job with regular hours, typically from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Example: She decided to leave her nine-to-five job and pursue her passion for entrepreneurship.
Note: From the standard working hours, symbolizing a conventional job rather than the broader concept of business.

Business - Examples

She runs her own business.
He studied business administration in college.
The company is in the business of selling electronics.

Business grammar

Business - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: business
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): businesses, business
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): business
Syllables, Separation and Stress
business Contains 2 syllables: busi • ness
Phonetic transcription: ˈbiz-nəs
busi ness , ˈbiz nəs (The red syllable is stressed)

Business - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
business: 200 - 300 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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