Words / B2

KOM-urs/ˈkɒmɜːs/

Commerce is buying and selling on a large scale: overseas commerce, a chamber of commerce. Trade is the everyday cousin; business is wider (including non-trading work). Commercial is the adjective (already in the dictionary). E-commerce is online trade. In speech, trade is usually enough. Do not use commerce for a one-off stall at a school fair — that is selling, not commerce — and do not confuse it with commence (begin).

Meaning

The buying and selling of goods and services, especially on a large scale.

Examples

• “The port grew rich from overseas commerce.”
• “The river made inland commerce cheaper than the mountain road.”
• “A chamber of commerce speaks for local firms, not for one shop’s till.”

Good to know

Large-scale trade. Everyday: trade. Adjective: commercial. Mix-up: commence (begin). Not a one-off stall.

Near in meaning

trade

New