corporation - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
corporation Word Meanings
- a legal entity formed to conduct business
- a group of people authorized to act as a single entity
- an organization or company
corporation Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
corporation Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kɔː.pəˈreɪ.ʃən/
US
/kɔr.pəˈreɪ.ʃən/
corporation Word Etymology
cor- = together + porare = to carry, combined mean 'to carry together'; from Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a group of people standing together, all combining their efforts to 'carry' out a business venture, emphasizing unity and cooperation.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Push the office door open and step into a room where many voices start to align. We move parts of the plan, shift deadlines, adjust budgets, and keep our eyes on a single shared goal. The room steadies as many hands and departments weave into one rhythm, a feeling you can point to and name. It’s like a corporation: a group that acts as one, turning a pile of effort into something bigger that can carry a project forward.
Real Context
A corporation is a legal entity formed to conduct business; it is separate from the people who own or manage it. A corporation can enter contracts, own property, sue and be sued in its own name. It is typically created by filing articles of incorporation and is governed by a board of directors and officers. The term can also refer to a group of people acting as a single entity, such as the board acting on behalf of shareholders, or more broadly to an organization or company. In everyday speech, people may refer to a corporation as a company, a firm, or an enterprise, depending on formality and context.
Usage Reminders
- Use singular with a determiner: a corporation, the corporation. Remember it is a legal entity; plural: corporations. Not every business is a corporation. Compare with company, firm, enterprise. Common collocations: multinational corporation, publicly traded corporation, corporate governance.
Common Misconceptions
- A corporation is just a big company; size determines status.
- All corporations are owned by shareholders.
- Corporation and company are always interchangeable.
- A corporation cannot own assets in its own name.
- Corporation equals government-owned entity.
Thinking Differences
Describe to an English speaker: English tends to separate legal status (corporation) from the generic business (company). Learners often overuse corporation for any business or confuse it with a small firm. Focus on context: use corporation for legally distinct entities, and company for a non-legal or broader sense.
Learning Tips
- Learn the difference between legal status (corporation) and everyday business (company).
- Watch for collocations: multinational corporation, publicly traded corporation, corporate governance.
- Practice plural form: one corporation, many corporations.
- Be aware of regional preferences: US usage vs UK usage can vary.
- Note translations may be 'corporación', 'S. A.', 'GmbH' depending on country.
- Use example sentences to distinguish context: legal matters vs general business.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'corporation'?
A.Planet
B.Individual
C.Company
D.Food
Step 2: Usage
In what context would you use the word 'corporation'?
A.At a grocery store
B.In a restaurant
C.At the beach
D.During a job interview
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'corporation'?
A.Soft
B.Rough
C.Smooth
D.Firm
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'corporation'?
A.Public
B.Group
C.Private
D.Individual
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life corporation?
A.Apple Inc.
B.Banana Republic
C.Orange County
D.Grape Vineyard
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