Purchase

/ˈpɜːrtʃəs/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The acquisition of an asset or item for money; buying.

/ˈpɜːrtʃəs/

nounneutralBeginner
General

The act of buying something.

The purchase of the new car was a major decision for the family.

💡 Simply: It's what you do when you buy something. Like, when you buy a cool toy at the store, that's a purchase!

👶 For kids: When you use money to buy something, like a toy!

More Examples

2

They made a purchase at the online store.

3

The purchase price of the house was higher than expected.

How It's Used

Business

"The company made a large purchase of new equipment."

Everyday Life

"I made a quick purchase at the grocery store."

2

To acquire something by paying for it.

/ˈpɜːrtʃəs/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To buy something.

She purchased a beautiful dress for the party.

💡 Simply: To get something by paying money for it. Like, when you purchase a snack at the movies, you're buying it!

👶 For kids: When you use your money to get something.

More Examples

2

I plan to purchase a new phone next week.

3

They purchased the property from a private owner.

How It's Used

Business

"The company purchased new office furniture."

Everyday Life

"I purchased a new book online."

Tip:Imagine you're 'pur'chasing' a new item, using your purse money to buy it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

proof of purchase

Documentation that proves something was bought.

"You'll need proof of purchase to return the item."

From Old French *purchacier* (to procure, acquire), ultimately from Latin *procurare* (to take care of, manage).

Originally used more broadly for acquisition, not just through monetary exchange. Now almost exclusively related to buying.

Memory tip

Think of it like a 'purse' - you use money to buy something and put it in your purse.

Word Origin

LanguageOld French & Latin
Original meaning

"To procure, acquire, or take care of."

make a purchaseonline purchasepurchase priceproof of purchase

Common misspellings

purchaceperchase

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written