C1noun2K

Commerce

UK /["/ˈkɒmɜːs/"]/US /["/ˈkɑːmɜːrs/"]/

Definition

trade, especially between countries; the buying and selling of goods and services

In simple words: Buying and selling goods and services.

Examples

  • Leaders of industry and commerce met at the summit in Paris.
  • She has little experience of the world of commerce.
  • The marketplace was where commerce was traditionally carried on.
  • The marketplace was where merchants engaged in commerce.
  • commerce between China and Africa
  • the development of commerce with Asia

Usage notes

Used in business contexts, often when discussing trade or economic activities. It may sound too formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

commerce + (noun) | commerce between + (nouns)

Memory hint

Think of 'com' as in 'together' and 'merce' as in 'market' - commerce brings markets together.

Collocations

  • foreign
  • global
  • international
  • engage in
  • regulate
  • affect
  • commerce  between
  • commerce  with
  • a chamber of commerce
  • the world of commerce

Synonyms

  • trade
  • business
  • commerce
  • market
  • transaction

Antonyms

  • stagnation
  • idleness

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'commercial', which relates to business but not specifically to buying/selling.
  • Misusing in informal contexts where simpler terms like 'trade' or 'business' are more appropriate.