do business
doo BIZ-ness
/duː ˈbɪznəs/
To engage in commercial activity, trade, or professional dealings with someone.
Focuses on the ongoing activity or the act of transacting rather than a single creative act.
The story behind the word. 'Business' originally meant the state of being 'busy'—occupied with tasks and cares. We use 'do' because it refers to the performance of these tasks and the general activity of commerce, rather than the creation of a physical object.
Word relationships
- trade: Specifically refers to the exchange of goods or services.
- transact: A more formal term for the specific act of carrying out business.
- boycott: A refusal to do business with a specific entity.
Commonly confused with
- make money: 'Make money' refers to the profit, while 'do business' refers to the activity itself.
Word family
- businessman (noun): A person engaged in commercial trade.
Collocations
- do business with
- do international business
- do repeat business
Idioms & expressions
- business as usual
Example sentences
- "It is difficult to do business in countries with unstable currencies." International Trade
- "'We don't do business with people we don't trust.'" Professional Networking
Memory hook
You 'do' your work, so you 'do' your business. Business is a 'do' activity, not a 'make' creation.
When not to use
Do not use 'make business', which is a common error for non-native speakers.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'do business' can also be used informally to mean 'to perform a necessary task'.
- In the 14th century, 'business' meant 'anxiety' or 'care'.
Related words
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