adj C2 Proficient Uncommon

mercantile

MUR-kuhn-tyl

Mercantile (adj) means relating to trade, commerce, or the buying and selling of goods for profit. Example: “The city grew rich as a mercantile hub in the 18th century.”

adj

Relating to trade, commerce, or the buying and selling of goods for profit.

"The city grew rich as a mercantile hub in the 18th century."

"Their mercantile interests spanned three continents."

How to use mercantile

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving to do with trade and commerce.

Common pairings

mercantile trade mercantile class mercantile interests

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The city grew rich as a _____ hub in the 18th century.

Etymology

From French mercantile, from Italian mercantile, from mercante ("merchant"), ultimately from Latin merx ("merchandise").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for mercantile

file mile tile pile wile vile rile Nile bile Chile smile while

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Frequently asked questions

What does “mercantile” mean?

The word “mercantile” means relating to trade, commerce, or the buying and selling of goods for profit. In plain terms, having to do with trade and commerce.

How do you pronounce “mercantile”?

“Mercantile” is pronounced MUR-kuhn-tyl (/ˈmɝ.kənˌtaɪl/ in IPA).

How do you use “mercantile” in a sentence?

Here is “mercantile” used in a sentence: “The city grew rich as a mercantile hub in the 18th century.”

What part of speech is “mercantile”?

“Mercantile” is an adjective.

Where does the word “mercantile” come from?

The word “mercantile” comes from Latin. From French mercantile, from Italian mercantile, from mercante ("merchant"), ultimately from Latin merx ("merchandise").

Is “mercantile” a common word?

“Mercantile” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.