English Vocabulary
Pick a CEFR level (A1–C2) — A1 is the friendliest place to start — and browse its words grouped by topic: travel, food, the body, emotions, and more. Each word shows its meaning, example sentences, and US/UK pronunciation.
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28 words
cartel
C2
/kɑːrˈtel/
an association of independent businesses or producers that coordinate prices, output, or markets in order to limit competition
tactical
C2
/ˈtæktɪk(ə)l/
Done carefully to gain a particular advantage; relating to tactics.
syndicate
C2
/ˈsɪn.də.kət/
a group of people or organizations that combine resources to carry out a business, project, or shared purpose
patronize
C2
/ˈpeɪtɹənaɪz/
To talk to someone as if they were less intelligent or important than you.
conglomerate
C2
/kənˈɡlɑm.ɚ.ɪt/
A large company made up of several smaller companies in different kinds of business.
emporium
C2
/ɪmˈpɔriəm/
a large store or marketplace offering a wide variety of goods
trafficker
C2
/ˈtræfɪkɝ/
someone who promotes or exchanges goods or services for money
proprietary
C2
/pɹəˈpɹaɪ.əˌtɛɹ.i/
Owned by a particular company and protected by patents, trademarks, or copyright.
subsidy
C2
/ˈsɐbsɪdi/
Money given by a government or organization to help support a business or activity.
testimonial
C2
/tɛstɪˈmoʊni.əl/
A written or spoken statement praising someone's worth, character, or a product.
mercantile
C2
/ˈmɝ.kənˌtaɪl/
Connected with trade and the buying and selling of goods for profit.
additive
C2
/ˈæd.ɪ.tɪv/
A substance added to food, fuel, or another product to give it certain qualities.
profitability
C2
/ˌpɹɑ.fɪ.təˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/
The ability of a business to make a profit; the degree to which it is profitable.
contractually
C2
/kənˈtræktʃuːəli/
By the terms of a contract; as required by a legal agreement.
convivial
C2
/kənˈvɪv.i.əl/
occupied with or fond of the pleasures of good company
laissez-faire
C2
/ˌleɪ.zeɪˈfer/
an economic doctrine or policy favoring minimal government intervention in trade, industry, and markets
salable
C2
/ˈseɪ.lə.bəl/
suitable or sufficiently desirable to be sold
tret
C2
/trɛt/
historical commerce: an allowance in weight made to a buyer for waste, dust, or deterioration after tare had been deducted
higgling
C2
present participle and gerund of higgle
copartnership
C2
/ˌkoʊˈpɑɹtnɚˌʃɪp/
the state or right of being a copartner in a joint enterprise
entrepôt
C2
/ˈɑːntrəpoʊ/
a trading port or commercial center where goods are imported, stored, and re-exported
vendible
C2
/ˈvɛndəbəl/
capable of being sold or suitable for sale; marketable
duplo
C2
/ˈduːploʊ/
a brand of construction toys made by LEGO, designed for younger children with larger, easier-to-handle pieces
lastage
C2
A duty exacted, in some fairs or markets, for the right to carry things where one will.
stallage
C2
The erection and use of a stall at a fair or market.
joint-stock
C2
/ˈdʒɔɪntˌstɑk/
owned by shareholders who hold stock jointly in a company
merchant exporter
C2
/ˌmɝː.tʃənt ɪkˈspɔːr.t̬ɚ/
a trader or trading business that buys goods from producers and exports them, rather than manufacturing the goods itself
engrosser
C2
/ɪnˈɡroʊsɚ/
historical commerce: a person who buys up a commodity in bulk in order to control its supply or raise its price