B2 adjective Formal

corporate

/ˈkɔːrpərət/

Relating to a large company or group, often implying a formal business structure. It can also describe something that is shared by or belongs to all members of a group.

Examples

3 of 5
1

He had to trade his jeans for a suit to fit the corporate environment.

He had to change his casual clothes for a suit to match the business setting.

2

The corporate entity is legally responsible for the actions of its subsidiaries.

The large business organization is legally liable for the actions of its sub-companies.

3

I'm just not built for the corporate grind; I'd rather work for myself.

I am not suited for the repetitive work in a big company; I prefer self-employment.

Word Family

Noun
corporation
Verb
incorporate
Adverb
corporately
Adjective
corporate
Related
corporatism
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'corpse,' which means a body. 'Corporate' comes from the idea of a group of people acting together as one single 'body.'

Quick Quiz

She spent ten years working hard to climb the _____ ladder before becoming a vice president.

Correct!

The correct answer is: corporate

Examples

1

He had to trade his jeans for a suit to fit the corporate environment.

everyday

He had to change his casual clothes for a suit to match the business setting.

2

The corporate entity is legally responsible for the actions of its subsidiaries.

formal

The large business organization is legally liable for the actions of its sub-companies.

3

I'm just not built for the corporate grind; I'd rather work for myself.

informal

I am not suited for the repetitive work in a big company; I prefer self-employment.

4

Recent research explores the relationship between corporate social responsibility and consumer loyalty.

academic

Current studies look at how a company's ethical behavior affects customer faithfulness.

5

Our corporate strategy for the next quarter focuses on expanding into Asian markets.

business

Our company's high-level plan for the next three months aims for growth in Asia.

Word Family

Noun
corporation
Verb
incorporate
Adverb
corporately
Adjective
corporate
Related
corporatism

Common Collocations

corporate culture the shared values and behaviors of a company
corporate ladder the series of levels for promotion within a company
corporate identity the visual image and branding of a business
corporate headquarters the main administrative office of a large company
corporate social responsibility a company's efforts to improve society and the environment

Common Phrases

climb the corporate ladder

to advance to higher positions within a company

corporate world

the environment of large businesses and professional work

corporate communications

the department responsible for a company's internal and external messages

Often Confused With

corporate vs cooperate

Cooperate is a verb meaning to work together, while corporate is an adjective relating to a business.

corporate vs corporal

Corporal relates to the physical body (e.g., corporal punishment), whereas corporate relates to a business body.

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Usage Notes

The word is most frequently used to describe things associated with large, formal businesses. It can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation, implying something is impersonal or overly bureaucratic.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often misspell the word by confusing it with 'cooperate' or forget that it is an adjective and use 'corporation' (the noun) instead.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'corpse,' which means a body. 'Corporate' comes from the idea of a group of people acting together as one single 'body.'

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'corporatus,' which is the past participle of 'corporare,' meaning to form into a body.

Grammar Patterns

Primarily used as an attributive adjective (placed before a noun). Does not typically have comparative or superlative forms (e.g., 'more corporate' is rare).
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Cultural Context

In many Western societies, 'corporate' culture is often associated with suits, cubicles, and a specific hierarchy that contrasts with the 'startup' culture.

Quick Quiz

She spent ten years working hard to climb the _____ ladder before becoming a vice president.

Correct!

The correct answer is: corporate

Related Words

circumgrator

C1

Describing a movement or path that wanders in a circular or roundabout fashion rather than following a direct line. It often characterizes physical motion that encompasses a central area or an indirect approach to a task or problem.

micromerctude

C1

The state or quality of being excessively focused on minute, often trivial details within a mercantile or commercial context. It describes a meticulous precision that borderlines on pedantry, usually regarding small-scale financial transactions or specific trade conditions.

comvertant

C1

A comvertant refers to an entity, proposition, or individual currently undergoing a process of transformation or conversion. It is often used in specialized academic or technical contexts to denote the specific subject being changed from one state or category to another.

subgravate

C1

To aggravate or worsen a situation, condition, or feeling in a subtle or minor degree. It often implies exerting a gradual downward pressure or adding a slight burden to an already difficult circumstance.

dispetize

C1

A dispetize is a formal process or systematic act of resolving minor grievances and petty disputes within a professional or social organization. It serves as a clearinghouse for small-scale conflicts to ensure they do not escalate into significant structural issues.

ultrademation

C1

Ultrademation refers to the state or process of extreme, total automation where human intervention is entirely replaced by autonomous systems and decision-making algorithms. It represents the highest possible tier of technological autonomy within an industrial or digital framework.

semipulsate

C1

A state or instance of partial or intermittent rhythmic throbbing or beating, often occurring at irregular intervals or with reduced intensity. In technical contexts, it refers to a cycle that does not reach the full amplitude of a standard pulse.

adsontion

C1

To undergo or facilitate the process of molecular adhesion where molecules of a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid accumulate on the surface of a solid or liquid. Unlike absorption, this process is strictly a surface phenomenon and does not involve the substance being taken into the body of the material.

intrarogship

C1

Relating to the internal state or quality of inquiry and mutual accountability within a specific group or institution. It describes the dynamics of procedural questioning that remain within a single organizational hierarchy rather than involving external parties.

underpacant

C1

To perform a task or meet a requirement at a rate or quality lower than what was previously established or expected. It is often used in technical or administrative contexts to describe a failure to keep pace with a specific standard or quota.

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