Import

Definition

Import is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to goods or services brought into a country from abroad for sale. As a verb, it means to bring goods, data, or ideas into a system, place, or country, usually from another source.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation (noun): /ˈɪmˌpɔːrt/
• IPA Pronunciation (verb): /ɪmˈpɔːrt/
• Respelling (noun): IM-port
• Respelling (verb): im-PORT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation (noun): /ˈɪmˌpɔːt/
• IPA Pronunciation (verb): /ɪmˈpɔːt/
• Respelling (noun): IM-port
• Respelling (verb): im-PORT

Etymology

The word "import" comes from the Latin "importare," meaning "to bring in," composed of "in-" (into) and "portare" (to carry). It entered Middle English through Old French "importer" in the 15th century, initially referring to the act of bringing goods into a country.

Derivatives

• Importer (noun)
• Importation (noun)
• Imported (adjective)
• Importable (adjective)
• Reimport (verb)

Synonyms

• Bring in
• Introduce
• Acquire

Antonyms

• Export
• Remove
• None

Usage

The noun "import" is used to describe goods or concepts brought in, e.g., "The country relies heavily on oil imports." The verb "import" is used to describe the act of bringing in, e.g., "They import luxury cars from Europe."

Related Terms

• Export: Goods or services sent out of a country.
• Trade: The act of buying, selling, or exchanging goods and services.
• Commerce: The activity of buying and selling on a large scale.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Goods or services brought into a country: Refers to items purchased from another country for domestic use or resale.
  • Example: "Electronics are one of the top imports of the nation."
• The act of bringing something in: Refers to the general activity of introducing foreign goods, ideas, or data.
  • Example: "The import of cultural practices enriches the local community."

Verb

• To bring goods or services into a country: Refers to the act of acquiring items from foreign sources.
  • Example: "The company imports raw materials from overseas."
• To introduce data or concepts into a system: Refers to transferring ideas, information, or files.
  • Example: "The software allows users to import files from various formats."