company
noun (countable)
UK/ˈkʌm.pə.ni/US/ˈkʌm.pə.ni/
A group of performers, such as actors, singers, or dancers, who perform together.
Example Sentences
The theater company premiered their latest play to rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.
She auditioned for a role in the dance company, hoping to showcase her skills and artistry.
The musical company toured several cities, performing hit songs and engaging with fans along the way.
Joining a theater company can provide valuable experience and opportunities for budding actors and directors.
The improv company entertained the crowd with their spontaneous and humorous performances.
As part of the acting company, he participated in workshops and rehearsals to refine his craft and prepare for upcoming productions.
The international dance company incorporates diverse styles and cultural influences into their choreography, creating unique and captivating performances.
Under the leadership of a visionary director, the company has flourished, attracting top talent and producing innovative works that push the boundaries of traditional theater.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A group of people or a formal business structure with shared objectives.This noun typically refers to a business or organization, where individuals collaborate to produce goods, provide services, or engage in various commercial activities. For instance, “He started a tech company” indicates a formal entity formed around software or hardware solutions. It can also describe the collective body of colleagues or teammates—“She appreciates the company of her coworkers.” In conversation, mentioning “company” may emphasize either the brand, the staff, or a supportive group around you. You could be highlighting a legal structure (“The company is registered as an LLC”), or referencing just the people you work with (“I enjoy good company at the office”). In a more casual or social sense, “company” can also signal companionship—“I like having the company of good friends on weekends.” Each usage underscores people uniting for a common purpose, whether financial gain, social support, or the pleasure of being together. Specifying context—like a business environment or personal gathering—helps others understand whether you’re referencing formal operations or casual human connection.
Alternatives
If you’re focusing on a formal business structure, terms like “firm,” “enterprise,” or “corporation” can underline different nuances of scale or legal status. “Firm” typically appears in professional services, like law firms or consulting firms, while “enterprise” conveys a broader or more entrepreneurial scope. “Corporation” often implies a large, legally distinct entity with shareholders and formal governance. For casual settings, “group,” “gathering,” or “crowd” may capture the idea of being in someone’s presence without a business connotation. If emphasizing camaraderie or companionship, “fellowship,” “friendship,” or “togetherness” might suit a more personal tone. Using the right synonym clarifies whether you’re talking about an official, profit-driven organization or simply enjoying people’s presence. In each case, choosing an alternative ensures precision and variety, reflecting the exact kind of collective or atmosphere you wish to describe.
Writing
In written communication, how you present “company” depends on your purpose. If you’re writing a business report, focus on its structural and operational details—“The company’s annual earnings grew by 10%.” In a business plan, describe the company’s mission, vision, and corporate strategy. In a more narrative or casual piece, you might explore interpersonal dynamics within a company—“The team celebrated the company’s success over a weekend retreat.” Alternatively, if you’re referring to companionship in creative writing, consider describing the warmth or comfort of being with people—“She longed for the company of a kindred spirit.” In academic or analytical contexts, you could examine a company’s impact on economy or culture, explaining how shared goals unify the workforce. Varying synonyms—like “firm” or “organization”—keeps your text from sounding repetitive. Providing examples or anecdotes can illustrate how this entity functions or how interpersonal “company” fosters connection among individuals. Balance factual clarity (for business or formal references) with emotional and descriptive language (for social or literary references). By specifying the setting and scope—industrial, social, cultural, or personal—you guide readers to understand precisely the type of “company” in question.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “company” slips in naturally when talking about friends, work, or general social interactions. You might mention, “I enjoy my friends’ company on Friday nights,” to highlight social bonding. When someone’s feeling lonely, you could ask, “Do you want some company?” to offer your presence. In work-related chatter, “I just joined a new company” points to your employment with a business. If you’re hosting guests, you might say, “We have company coming over this evening,” signifying visitors. Context usually clarifies whether you’re referencing a workplace or casual companionship. If confusion arises—like mixing up “company” (business) with “company” (guests)—you can specify further: “She’s interning at a software company,” or “I’m having friends over for the weekend.” This everyday usage reveals how “company” bridges both professional and personal realms, describing not only formal organizations but also the sense of having people around to share space and experiences. Whether it’s about coworkers or a friendly get-together, “company” keeps conversations grounded in the idea of collective presence or collaboration.
Etymology
The word “company” traces its roots to the Old French “compaignie,” meaning “companionship” or “society,” originally from Latin “companio”—“one who eats bread with another” (com = with, panis = bread). Early on, it emphasized mutual fellowship or friendship, highlighting a sense of people sharing resources or meals together. As trade and industry grew, the term evolved to reflect merchant guilds and business partnerships, eventually designating formal commercial entities operating for profit. Over time, English adopted “company” to describe both personal companionship and structured organizations. The business sense expanded further with the rise of corporations, reflecting an official group formation with legal standing. Despite shifting from casual camaraderie to formal operations, its linguistic heritage underscores people coming together—a notion intact in modern usage. Whether describing a large multinational corporation, a small tech startup, or simply the friendly group you keep around, “company” preserves a sense of individuals uniting under a shared purpose or presence.
