vendor - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
vendor Word Meanings
- a person or company that sells goods
- someone who offers something for sale
- a seller in a marketplace
vendor Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
vendor Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈvɛndə/
US
/ˈvɛndər/
vendor Word Etymology
Vendor = vend- (to sell) + -or (one who); from Latin 'vendere' (to sell) → Old French 'vendre' → English 'vendor'. Imagine a bustling market where a vendor enthusiastically sells fresh produce, showcasing their goods to eager buyers.
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
A vendor is a person or company that sells goods or services, typically in a market, shop, stall, or online marketplace. The emphasis is on the selling action rather than manufacturing, and a vendor can be an independent seller, a small business, or part of a larger supplier network. Learners should distinguish vendor from seller, merchant, and supplier: a vendor is usually someone who offers products for sale in a particular setting, often with direct interaction. Common collocations include street vendor, vendor booth, and vendor agreement. Understanding the role helps avoid mixing up makers with sellers and avoids overgeneralizing to any businessperson who sells something.
Usage Reminders
- Vendor is a seller in a specific place.
- Use vendor for direct market sellers, not manufacturers.
- Look for collocations like street vendor or vendor booth.
- Note that vendor often implies a temporary or market setting.
- Avoid confusing with seller in broader retail contexts.
Common Misconceptions
- Vendor is the same as manufacturer or producer.
- All sellers are vendors in every context.
- Vendor only refers to street selling, never online.
- Vendor implies the vendor is small and informal.
- Vendor and supplier are interchangeable in all texts.
Thinking Differences
Think of vendor as a seller in a defined place or event; learners often mix up with manufacturer or producer, but English uses vendor to emphasize the selling role in that setting rather than making the product.
Learning Tips
- Keep vendor for a seller in a defined place (market, fair, stall).
- Differentiate from manufacturer/producer.
- Learn key collocations: street vendor, vendor booth.
- Note formal uses like vendor contract or vendor network.
- Practice distinguishing vendor vs seller in business contexts.
- Use vendor when describing a supplier in a specific setting.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'vendor'?
A.A person who buys goods
B.A person who creates goods
C.A person who repairs goods
D.A person who sells goods
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'vendor' used correctly?
A.She hired a vendor to fix her car.
B.The vendor sold fresh fruits at the market.
C.The vendor bought new tools for his shop.
D.He is a chef, not a vendor.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'vendor'?
A.Buyer
B.Consumer
C.Supplier
D.Merchant
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'vendor'?
A.Wholesaler
B.Customer
C.Producer
D.Distributor
Step 5: Mastery
How is the word 'vendor' relevant in a real-life context?
A.A vendor repairing laptops in a workshop
B.A vendor selling hotdogs at a baseball game
C.A vendor designing websites for clients
D.A vendor organizing corporate events
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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