B1noun1K

Trade

UK /["/treɪd/"]/US /["/treɪd/"]/

Definition

the activity of buying and selling or of exchanging goods or services between people or countries

In simple words: To exchange one thing for another.

Examples

  • The trade between the two countries has increased significantly this year.
  • He decided to trade his vintage car for a newer model.
  • Many people are skilled in the trade of carpentry.
  • During the medieval times, trade was done mainly through bartering.
  • She has a passion for international trade and economic policies.

Usage notes

Use 'trade' for exchanging goods or services. Avoid in overly informal contexts. More suitable in business or economic discussions.

Grammar pattern

trade + object + for + object

Memory hint

Think of 'trade' as in 'trading cards' where you swap cards with friends.

Collocations

  • booming
  • brisk
  • burgeoning
  • conduct
  • do
  • engage in
  • boom
  • expand
  • flourish
  • balance
  • figures
  • performance
  • in a/​the trade
  • trade between
  • trade in
  • booming
  • brisk
  • burgeoning
  • conduct
  • do
  • engage in
  • boom
  • expand
  • flourish
  • balance
  • figures
  • performance
  • in a/​the trade
  • trade between
  • trade in
  • booming
  • brisk
  • burgeoning
  • conduct
  • do
  • engage in
  • boom
  • expand
  • flourish
  • balance
  • figures
  • performance
  • in a/​the trade
  • trade between
  • trade in
  • booming
  • brisk
  • burgeoning
  • conduct
  • do
  • engage in
  • boom
  • expand
  • flourish
  • balance
  • figures
  • performance
  • in a/​the trade
  • trade between
  • trade in
  • skilled
  • building
  • learn
  • carry on
  • exercise
  • by trade
  • a jack of all trades
  • the tricks of the trade

Synonyms

  • business

Antonyms

  • keep
  • retain
  • hold

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'trade' with 'trick' when talking about exchanging items.
  • Using 'trade' without specifying what is being exchanged.
  • Mixing up 'trade' with 'deal' although they can be used similarly.