Travel / B2

KUR-uh-nsee/ˈkʌrənsi/

Currency is the money of a country: foreign currency, a weak currency. Money is everyday; cash is notes and coins. Currency also means widespread use (give currency to a rumour; the idea gained currency). In speech, the country’s money / becoming widely used covers the two senses. Do not use currency for a single coin in your pocket unless you mean which country’s money it is, and keep the money and the “widespread” senses apart.

Meaning

The money used in a country; also the state of being widely used or accepted.

Examples

• “The euro is the currency of many EU countries.”
• “Change some currency before you land; cards still fail in that town.”
• “The claim gained currency online before anyone checked the minutes — the “widespread use” sense.”

Good to know

A country’s money; also widespread acceptance. Everyday: the money they use there. Contrast: cash (notes/coins). Keep the two senses apart.

Near in meaning

money

Topics

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