tariff - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
tariff Word Meanings
- A list of duties or prices for goods
- A tax on imported goods
- An official schedule of charges
tariff Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
tariff Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈtærɪf/
US
/ˈtæɹɪf/
tariff Word Etymology
tarif = tax, from Arabic tarīf = information; Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a merchant checking a scroll with prices, where every item has a note about its tax, depicting how tariffs regulate trade.
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 InputReal Context
Tariff is a noun used to describe a list of duties or prices for goods, especially when they cross borders. It can refer to a specific tax on imported goods or an official schedule of charges for services or products. In government policy, tariffs are tools to regulate trade, protect domestic industries, or raise revenue. People debate tariffs because they can raise prices for consumers, influence exchange rates, and provoke retaliatory measures. In historical contexts, tariffs shaped economic relationships between nations and influenced which goods were cheapest to import or export. When you see the word tariff in news, it often points to taxation rules on imports or formal price schedules used by customs authorities.
Usage Reminders
- Use tariff to talk about government rules on import prices; distinguish it from tax on all goods; connect with 'duty' or 'customs' when discussing borders; avoid using tariff to mean a general price list; check whether the context is domestic policy or international trade.
Common Misconceptions
- Tariff always raises the price of all goods.
- Tariff is the same as a sales tax.
- Tariff only applies to imports, never to domestic goods.
- Tariff means a fixed fee for a service.
- Tariff and duty are the same thing in every country.
Thinking Differences
Tariff in English often signals formal policy language and news discourse about trade; learners should note that tariff can refer to both a tax on imports and a formal price schedule, while 'duty' can be a border-specific tax and 'customs' refers to the agency, not the charge itself.
Learning Tips
- Learn tariff as a policy noun, not a product feature.
- Differentiate tariff from tax, duty, and customs.
- Notice whether a sentence discusses imports, exports, or government revenue.
- Watch for phrases like tariff schedule, tariff rate, or tariff on imports.
- Practice using tariff in news-like sentences.
- Keep a mental map of which countries use tariffs to protect industries.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'tariff'?
A.A type of food
B.A tax on imports or exports
C.A type of bird
D.A musical instrument
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'tariff' correctly?
A.I saw a beautiful tariff in the park
B.The government imposed a tariff on foreign cars
C.I ate a delicious tariff for lunch
D.She played the tariff during the concert
Step 3: Similar Words
Choose the antonym of 'tariff':
A.Surcharge
B.Increase
C.Penalty
D.Exemption
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what real-life context would you encounter 'tariff'?
A.Traveling abroad and buying souvenirs
B.Visiting a zoo and seeing animals
C.Playing a video game with friends
D.Reading a science fiction novel
Step 5: Mastery
Create a sentence using the word 'tariff'
A.The cat ran quickly across the street
B.I paid a high tariff on the imported goods
C.She smiled brightly at the joke
D.He ate a delicious meal at the restaurant
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