commerce

Everyday

1. Commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services, especially in large amounts between companies and countries. tree →
2. (formal) Commerce is the whole world of trade and business in a place, such as shops, banks and markets. tree →
3. (old-fashioned) Commerce can mean dealings or contact between people. tree →

In the lessons

In history and geography lessons, commerce explains why towns grew near rivers, ports and roads: people met there to trade. In everyday life you see it in phrases like «chamber of commerce» (a club of local businesses) and «e-commerce» (buying and selling online). In stories it tells the reader that a place is busy with trade and money. Common phrases: «trade and commerce», «centre of commerce», «e-commerce», «chamber of commerce», «commerce between countries».

Examples

• London became rich because it was a great centre of commerce. tree →
• The river carried commerce from the farms to the city. tree →
• Mum runs a small e-commerce shop that sells knitted hats online. tree →
• The chamber of commerce gave a prize to the best bakery in town. tree →
• Roads and railways helped commerce grow across Canada. tree →
• In the old port, commerce went on from dawn till dark. tree →
• Our class learned how commerce works by running a pretend market. tree →
• Sailors brought spices to Europe through commerce with Asia. tree →
• Mercury was the Roman god of commerce and gain. tree →

Note

Uncountable: say «commerce», not «a commerce» or «commerces». Stress on the first syllable: COM-merce. The adjective is «commercial» (a commercial is also a TV advert). Do not confuse with «commence» (to begin). «E-commerce» means online shopping and selling.

In Jewish tradition

Used for the trade and dealings of merchants, as in the great trade of Tyre.

Interpretation. The prophets warn that wealth from trade can bring pride, and Jewish law requires honest weights and fair dealing in business.

Note

Uncountable: say «commerce», not «a commerce» or «commerces». Stress on the first syllable: COM-merce. The adjective is «commercial» (a commercial is also a TV advert). Do not confuse with «commence» (to begin). «E-commerce» means online shopping and selling.