industry - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
industry Word Meanings
- the production of goods or services
- a specific branch of economic activity
- hard work and diligence
industry Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
industry Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɪndəstri/
US
/ˈɪndəstri/
industry Word Etymology
in- = not + dustris = skilled. Originated from Latin 'industria' meaning diligence. Imagine a person tirelessly working in a factory, showcasing the spirit of hardworking industries.
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
I press my palm on the desk and turn my attention from scattered tasks to a clean line of plans. I push a pencil along the page, watching it move from idea to order and feel the effort tighten in my shoulders. The scene shifts from a single task to the clatter of factories and offices, where people keep adjusting, pushing, and staying at it from dawn to dusk. That steady, practical field where goods and services come from hard work feels like the heartbeat of industry.
Real Context
Industry refers to the organized production of goods and services, especially within a specific sector. It can name the broad economy as a whole, or a narrower field such as the technology industry or the entertainment industry. The word also conveys a sense of hard work, diligence, and systematic effort—the phrase 'industrial spirit' evokes people who apply steady, disciplined labor to a task. Etymologically, industry comes from Latin industria, meaning diligence and attention. Learners should note that industry is a noun describing both sectors and the quality of effort, not simply activity. Use it with modifiers like growth, decline, or competitive to describe conditions in a field.
Usage Reminders
- • Do not confuse industry with factory; industry means the sector or the overall activity.
- • Use with adjectives such as growing, expanding, declining, or competitive.
- • Common collocations: industry growth, manufacturing industry, service industry, the tech industry.
- • When talking about workers' behavior, prefer words like industrious, diligence, or the spirit of industry rather than industrial as an adjective.
- • For a specific sector, name the sector: the banking industry, the automotive industry.
Common Misconceptions
- Industry means a single factory; it does not.
- Industry always refers only to manufacturing, not services.
- People in an industry are described with 'industrial' as a personality trait.
- The industry is the same as a job or profession.
- You can pluralize randomly: 'industries' without context.
Thinking Differences
Industry in English centers on sectors and the idea of organized production; learners often assume it only means factories or manufacturing, which is a common pitfall when encountering service industries or abstract meanings like 'the industry' as a sector.
Learning Tips
- memorize that industry = sector or environment of production
- note collocations with growth, decline, or leading
- differentiate industry from factory or plant
- use 'the tech industry' or 'the manufacturing industry' for clarity
- recognize the archaic sense of diligence in phrases like 'spirit of industry'
- practice with both broad and narrow references (economy vs a specific industry)
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'industry'?
A.Economy
B.Fragrance
C.Universe
D.Chocolate
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'industry' correctly?
A.She works in the industry of sweet-smelling products.
B.The universe is made up of many industries.
C.He loves industry ice cream flavors.
D.They study the industry of making chocolate.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'industry'?
A.Agriculture
B.Vacuum
C.Joyful
D.Camera
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'industry'?
A.Reality
B.Laziness
C.Peaceful
D.Lemonade
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where 'industry' is relevant?
A.The music industry is very competitive.
B.She works hard to achieve success.
C.He is known for his professional industry.
D.It's important to show industry in your work ethic.
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