Business come from:
The word business has its origins in Middle English, where it was used to refer to a state of being busy or occupied. Over time, the word evolved to take on a variety of different meanings, and today it is most commonly used to refer to commercial or professional activities.
Origins in Middle English
The word business has its roots in the Middle English word bust, which was used to describe a state of being busy or occupied. This sense of the word can be traced back to the Old English word big, which meant “careful, anxious, busy, occupied”.
As Middle English evolved, the word business began to take on additional meanings. By the 14th century, it was being used to describe a task or piece of work that required attention and care. For example, a 14th-century poem by William Langland uses the phrase “by ben hem bawdrikis” to describe the hard work of a group of laborers.
The Rise of Commerce and Industry
As commerce and industry began to develop in Europe in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, the word business began to take on a more specific meaning related to commercial activities. By the 16th century, the word was being used to refer to commercial transactions or dealings.
The word business was also used to describe the place where commercial activities took place. For example, a 16th-century play by Ben Jonson called The Alchemist features a character named Subtle who operates a fraudulent business out of his home.
In the centuries that followed, the word business continued to evolve and expand to take on new meanings. It became associated with a variety of different types of economic activity, from manufacturing to finance to retail.
Modern Usage
Today, the word business is most commonly used to refer to commercial or professional activities. It can refer to a particular company or enterprise, as in the phrase “I run my own business”. It can also refer to a particular industry or sector of the economy, such as the “fashion business” or the “tech industry”.
The word business can also be used to describe the activities of a particular individual or group. For example, someone who is “in the business of selling cars” is someone who works in the automotive industry.
The word business is also commonly used in phrases such as “doing business” or “conducting business”, which refers to the act of engaging in commercial or professional activities. These phrases can be used to describe a wide range of activities, from negotiating a business deal to making sales calls to managing a team of employees.
Conclusion
The word business has a long and rich history, dating back to the Middle English word busi. Over time, the word evolved to take on a variety of different meanings related to commerce, industry, and professional activities. Today, the word is most commonly used to describe commercial or professional activities, and it is a central concept in the world of economics and business. Whether you’re starting your own business or working in a particular industry, the word business is likely to be an important part of your vocabulary.
