English

company

gb/kˈʌmpəni/ us/kˈʌmpəni/
A2 English
~ 200
Senses
0 senses
Noun A2 entity
1

A business that sells goods or services

A business that makes or sells things or provides services.

Usage pattern: [a/an] company [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'company' with 'country' due to similar pronunciation.
Synonyms
firm (Often used for professional services or smaller businesses.) | corporation (More formal; often refers to large companies.)
Antonyms
nonprofit (An organization that does not aim to make a profit.)
Collocations
run a company |start a company |join a company |company policy |company headquarters
Themes
business |economics |work |finance
Examples
  • She started her own company after leaving her job.
  • The company plans to expand into Europe next year.
  • This company produces high-quality kitchen appliances.
Learner examples
  • My brother works for a big company.
  • The company sells clothes online.
  • They want to start a new company.
Noun A2 state
2

Being with others socially

When you are with other people so you are not alone.

Usage pattern: in [someone's] company
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this meaning with a business sense of 'company'. Context helps distinguish them.
Synonyms
companionship (More formal and emphasizes emotional closeness.)
Antonyms
solitude (The state of being alone.)
Collocations
enjoy someone's company |keep someone company |good company
Themes
daily life |relationships |emotions |core_vocabulary
Examples
  • I really enjoy your company.
  • He kept her company while she waited for the bus.
  • She doesn't like being in the company of strangers.
Learner examples
  • I like your company.
  • Please stay and keep me company.
  • He is good company.
Noun B1 entity
3

Group in military or performing arts

A group of people who work together in the army or in acting, dancing, etc.

Usage pattern: [a/an] company of [soldiers/actors/dancers]
Synonyms
unit (General term for a group in the military or other organized setting.)
Collocations
infantry company |dance company |theatre company
Themes
military |arts |work |arts_entertainment |core_vocabulary
Examples
  • He served in a rifle company during the war.
  • The dance company is touring internationally.
  • Our local theatre company is putting on a new play.
Learner examples
  • She joined a dance company.
  • He works in a theatre company.
  • He was in an army company.
Grammar
Dictionary form
company
IPA
GB/kˈʌmpəni/
US/kˈʌmpəni/
Syllables & stress
com - pany (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (com)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: company
  • Plural: companies, company
Word family
Forms
companies noun
Core family
accompany verb B1
Related words
companion noun B1 companionship noun B2 accompaniment noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
unaccompanied adjective
Advanced or less common
accompanist noun
Expressions

company man

1
/kˈʌmpəni mˈæn/
fixed phrase

Employee loyal to employer first

A worker who always supports their employer and follows its rules, sometimes over their own opinion.

Examples
  • He's a real company man—he never questions the boss.
  • As a company man, he put work before family.

in good company

1
/ˈɪn ɡˈʊd kˈʌmpəni/
idiom

Among others in same situation

In the same situation as many other people, often to make someone feel better.

Examples
  • If you forgot your homework, you're in good company—half the class did too.
  • Don't worry about the mistake; you're in good company.

keep someone company

1
/kˈip sˈʌmwˌʌn kˈʌmpəni/
fixed phrase

Stay with someone so they're not alone

To be with someone so they do not feel lonely.

Examples
  • I'll keep you company while you wait.
  • She kept him company during his hospital stay.

Welcome back!

Please sign in to continue

Forgot password?
Don't have an account? Sign up