Trade

Definition

Trade refers to the action of buying, selling, or exchanging goods and services. It can also describe a particular skilled profession or craft. As a verb, it means to engage in the exchange of goods or services.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /treɪd/
• Respelling: TRAYD

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /treɪd/
• Respelling: TRAYD

Etymology

The word "trade" originates from Middle English "trade," meaning "path or course," derived from Old English "træd," meaning "track or way." It later evolved to include the concept of commercial exchange in the 16th century.

Derivatives

• Trader (noun)
• Trade-off (noun)
• Tradable (adjective)
• Tradesperson (noun)
• Trading (noun/verb)

Synonyms

• Commerce
• Exchange
• Transaction

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "trade" is used to describe economic activity, such as "The country's trade with its neighbors increased last year." As a verb, it is used to describe the act of exchanging: "They traded goods for services."

Related Terms

• Barter: A system of exchange where goods and services are traded without money.
• Market: A place or system for buying and selling goods.
• Commerce: The activity of buying and selling on a large scale.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The activity of buying, selling, or exchanging goods or services: Refers to commerce or economic transactions.
  • Example: "International trade plays a crucial role in the global economy."
• A skilled profession or craft: Refers to a type of work requiring specialized skills or training.
  • Example: "He learned the trade of carpentry from his father."

Verb

• To exchange goods, services, or other items: Refers to the act of swapping or bartering.
  • Example: "They traded their old car for a new one."
• To engage in commerce or business: Describes participating in buying and selling activities.
  • Example: "The company trades in agricultural products."