Basic English Vocabulary: Next, City, Company, Story, Today

What are the two meanings of “company”?

Most learners know company as a business, like Apple or Google. But “company” has a second meaning. It also means the people who are with you. If you spend time with friends, you enjoy their company. If you are alone and do not want to be, you can say you want some company. So one word, two meanings: a business, and people who keep you company.

In this word lesson the teacher first shows companies like Apple and Google, then says, “Company also means people that are around you.” Both meanings are common. You can say, “Thanks for the company,” to a friend who sat with you.