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purchase

B2
verbnoun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /pˈɜːtʃɪs/

US

  • /ˈpɜrtʃəs/

Description

To purchase something means to buy it, usually by paying money. It is a more formal word than "buy" and is common in shops, business, contracts, and official writing. You might purchase groceries at a store, purchase a ticket online, or purchase a car from a dealership. In everyday conversation, people often say "buy" instead, but "purchase" is very common when the act feels more formal or more planned.

Examples

  1. 1

    Online tickets

    You can purchase tickets online up to 24 hours before the show.

  2. 2

    Software

    The software can be purchased directly from the company's website.

  3. 3

    Office furniture

    Most of our office furniture was purchased from a local supplier.

  4. 4

    Return policy

    If you change your mind, you can return the item within 14 days of purchase.

  5. 5

    Formal buying

    She looked around for a while but didn't make a purchase.

    • Usage

      make a purchase

      buy something, often in more formal English

  6. 6

    Business acquisition

    The purchase of the smaller company gave them access to new technology.

  7. 7

    Receipt evidence

    Keep the receipt as proof of purchase in case you need a refund.

    • Phrase

      proof of purchase

      something that shows you bought it

  8. 8

    App payments

    Parents can turn off in-app purchases on the tablet.

    • Domain

      in-app purchases

      things you pay for inside an app

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • purchasenounverb

Forms

  • purchasedpast tenseverbnoun
  • purchasespluralnounverb
  • purchasing-ing formverbnoun