Company

/ˈkʌmpəni/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonGroup
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A group of people assembled together, especially for a particular purpose; a business organization.

/ˈkʌmpəni/

nounneutralBeginner
Group

A group of people working together

My dad works for a big company.

💡 Simply: Imagine a bunch of friends working together on a project – that's a company! Like a team, but usually for making things or providing services.

👶 For kids: A group of people who work together.

More Examples

2

The dance company performed beautifully.

How It's Used

Business

"She works for a large technology company."

Military

"The soldiers marched in close company."

2

The state or fact of being with someone else; companionship.

/ˈkʌmpəni/

nounpositiveBeginner
Relationship

The state of being with someone

I enjoy the company of my friends.

💡 Simply: Having someone around makes you feel less alone. That person is your company!

👶 For kids: Someone you're with.

More Examples

2

She prefers the company of books to people.

How It's Used

Social

"I enjoy his company."

Tip:Company keeps you from being lonely.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

keep company with

To spend time with someone regularly.

"He keeps company with a bad crowd."

From Old French *compaignie, from *compainie 'companionship', from compain 'companion', from Late Latin *compar 'one who shares', from Latin cum 'with' + panis 'bread'. Originally referring to those who shared bread, it evolved to mean a group of people.

Historically, the word 'company' often referred to military units or groups of travelers.

Memory tip

Think 'com' (together) + 'pany' (people)

Word Origin

Original meaning

"With bread (sharing bread implies fellowship)"

large companysmall companypublic companyprivate companykeep company

Common misspellings

componycampany

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written