compania: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral. Used across formal, informal, business, and everyday contexts.
Quick answer
What does “compania” mean?
A commercial business that sells goods or provides services.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A commercial business that sells goods or provides services.
1) The fact or condition of being with another person or people, often for social reasons. 2) A group of actors, singers, or dancers who perform together. 3) A unit of soldiers, typically part of a battalion. 4) Guests or visitors in one's home.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in compounds (e.g., 'company car' vs. 'company car'). The term 'limited company' (Ltd.) is British; US equivalents are 'incorporated' (Inc.) or 'corporation' (Corp.). The military term is used identically.
Connotations
Broadly similar. In historical/formal British English, 'keep company with' can imply courtship.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher in US English in pure business contexts due to corporate culture.
Grammar
How to Use “compania” in a Sentence
keep [someone] companybe in company with [someone]form/establish a companywork for a companyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “compania” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Archaic) To accompany. Rarely used in modern English.
American English
- (Archaic) To accompany. Rarely used in modern English.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- company car
- company secretary
- company policy
American English
- company car
- company headquarters
- company stock
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a legal entity engaged in commerce. E.g., 'The company's shares rose 5%.'
Academic
Used in business studies, economics, and sociology to discuss organizational structures.
Everyday
Refers to guests or companionship. E.g., 'We have company tonight, so please tidy up.'
Technical
In law: a legal person. In military: a tactical unit. In theatre: a performing group.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “compania”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “compania”
- Using 'a' with uncountable 'company' (e.g., 'I enjoy a company' → 'I enjoy company').
- Confusing 'company' with 'companion' (a single person).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, a 'firm' is a partnership (e.g., law firm), while 'company' is a broader term for any business entity, especially incorporated ones. In modern usage, they are often interchangeable, though 'company' is more common for large, public corporations.
It's understood but old-fashioned or literary. In modern English, 'a group of friends' or just 'friends' is more natural. 'Company' in the social sense is usually uncountable.
It's a common phrase meaning to stay with someone so they are not alone. Structure: subject + keep + [person/pronoun] + company. E.g., 'My dog keeps me company when I work from home.'
It stands for 'Limited (company)'. It indicates the company is a private limited company, where shareholders' liability is limited to their investment. The US equivalent is typically 'Inc.' (Incorporated).
A commercial business that sells goods or provides services.
Compania is usually neutral. used across formal, informal, business, and everyday contexts. in register.
Compania: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌmp(ə)ni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌmpəni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “two's company, three's a crowd”
- “keep bad company”
- “part company (with someone)”
- “in good company”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'COMPANY' as a 'COMPANION' for business or social life — both involve being together.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPANY IS A CONTAINER (for people, employees, activities). COMPANY IS A PERSON (it can sue, be sued, have a name).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'company' used in its uncountable, social sense?