Tax

Definition

Tax is a mandatory financial charge or levy imposed by a government on individuals or entities to fund public services and infrastructure. It can also mean a burden or strain in a non-financial context.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tæks/
• Respelling: taks

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tæks/
• Respelling: taks

Etymology

The word "tax" originates from the Latin "taxare," meaning "to assess" or "to estimate," which later evolved in Old French as "taxe" (a charge or levy). It entered Middle English during the late 13th century, referring to mandatory charges imposed by authority.

Derivatives

• Taxation (noun)
• Taxable (adjective)
• Taxpayer (noun)
• Tax-free (adjective)
• Retax (verb)

Synonyms

• Levy
• Charge
• Duty

Antonyms

• Subsidy
• Rebate
• Relief

Usage

The noun "tax" is commonly used to refer to financial obligations to the government. For example, "He filed his income tax returns before the deadline."

As a verb, "tax" means to impose a financial charge or levy. For example, "The government decided to tax luxury goods to increase revenue."

Related Terms

• Excise: A specific tax on goods or services.
• Income tax: A tax levied on earnings.
• Property tax: A tax based on the value of owned property.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A mandatory charge levied by a government: Used to fund public services and infrastructure.
  • Example: "The sales tax was included in the price of the item."
• A burden or strain: Refers to something that requires great effort or resources.
  • Example: "The project put a heavy tax on their time and energy."

Verb

• To impose a financial charge: Refers to levying a mandatory payment.
  • Example: "The government decided to tax imported goods."
• To burden or strain: Refers to exerting demands on resources or abilities.
  • Example: "The long hours began to tax his patience."