sector
SEK-ter
/ˈsektər/
A distinct part or branch of a nation's economy or a particular area of activity.
While 'area' is general, 'sector' implies a formal division within a larger economic or social system.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Latin 'secare', meaning 'to cut'. Imagine a large pie representing the entire economy; a 'sector' is a slice cut out of that pie to be examined individually.
Word relationships
- industry: Industry refers to a specific type of business, while sector is a broader economic category.
- domain: Domain refers to a field of knowledge or influence, not necessarily an economic division.
- whole: The entire economy rather than a specific division.
Commonly confused with
- section: A section is a physical part of a whole; a sector is a conceptual or economic division.
Word family
- sectoral (adjective): Relating to a particular sector.
Collocations
- private sector
- public sector
- service sector
- manufacturing sector
Example sentences
- "The private sector has traditionally been the primary engine of job creation in most developed economies." Discussing economic shifts in a financial report.
- "Every sector of the economy, from agriculture to finance, is being disrupted by digital transformation." Analyzing the impact of technology on different industries.
Memory hook
Think of a 'section' of a pie chart. A sector is a 'cut' of the economic pie. Sector = Section of the economy.
When not to use
Do not use for a physical piece of a small object; use 'segment' or 'part' instead.
Fun facts
- In geometry, a sector is the portion of a circle enclosed by two radii and an arc—literally a slice of pie.
Related words
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