income - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
income Word Meanings
- money received, especially on a regular basis
- financial gain from work or investments
- the total amount of money earned or received
income Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
income Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɪn.kʌm/
US
/ˈɪn.kəm/
income Word Etymology
in- = in, come = to come in. Historical origin: Latin 'income' → Middle English. Memory image: Imagine a person receiving a paycheck, the money coming in like water flowing into a pool.
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
One hand taps the calendar, I move the page and set a small plan for the week. When money arrives, I feel the pace shift a bit, and I adjust my tiny daily choices—coffee, bus fare, a bit of savings. It’s not a list of rules; it’s the feel of income shaping how I decide what to do, how I talk about plans, and where I put value.
Real Context
Income means the money you receive on a regular basis, usually from work, investments, or other sources. It is what you personally earn, not the total profits of a company. Income can come as a salary, wages, interest, dividends, or other payments, and it is often described as gross income before taxes or net income after deductions. In everyday English, people talk about rising income, low income, annual income, or total income on forms and reports. A common learner pitfall is confusing income with revenue or profit; income is personal money, whereas revenue or profit belongs to a business. You earn income or make money.
Usage Reminders
- Income is money you receive regularly, not a one-time payment.
- It can come from salary, investments, or side work.
- Use correct phrases: gross income, net income, total income.
- Don’t pluralize as 'incomes' in most contexts.
- Differentiate income from revenue (business) and profit (after costs).
Common Misconceptions
- Income is the same as salary; it can include many sources beyond a paycheck.
- Income is countable; normally it is uncountable (no 'incomes').
- Confusing income with revenue or profit (revenue is business total; profit is after costs).
- Saying 'make an income' is natural; correct is 'earn income' or 'make money'.
- Assuming income always requires taxes; 'net income' and 'gross income' show tax effects.
Thinking Differences
English tends to treat income as personal money from all sources; learners often mistakenly limit it to salary or treat it as countable.
Learning Tips
- Remember income is personal money you receive regularly, not necessarily your salary.
- Look for collocations: gross income, net income, total income.
- Use 'earn income' or 'make money', not 'make an income'.
- Distinguish income from revenue (business) and profit (after costs).
- Treat income as uncountable in most contexts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'income'?
A.Songs sung
B.Food consumed
C.Money earned
D.Books read
Step 2: Usage
How is the word 'income' used in a sentence?
A.She spent all her income on travel.
B.They went fishing for income.
C.He sang an income in the concert.
D.The income was delicious.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'income'?
A.Debt
B.Cost
C.Expenses
D.Revenue
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'income'?
A.Savings
B.Profit
C.Investment
D.Loss
Step 5: Mastery
Can you provide a real-life scenario where understanding 'income' is important?
A.Building a spaceship
B.Learning a foreign language
C.Planting a garden
D.Managing personal finances
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