commodity
Meaning: A raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold, such as oil, gold, or wheat; something useful or valued.
In economics, commodities are interchangeable goods — one barrel of crude oil is essentially the same as another. Commodity prices are determined by global supply and demand and are traded on exchanges. Figuratively, something can become a 'commodity' when it loses its uniqueness and becomes widely available, as in 'attention has become a commodity.'
Examples
- Oil remains one of the most traded commodities on global markets. 石油仍然是全球市场上交易量最大的大宗商品之一。El petróleo sigue siendo una de las materias primas más negociadas en los mercados mundiales.石油は依然として世界市場で最も取引されるコモディティの一つである。석유는 여전히 세계 시장에서 가장 많이 거래되는 원자재 중 하나이다.
- The commodity prices have been volatile due to supply chain disruptions. 由于供应链中断,大宗商品价格一直波动不定。Los precios de las materias primas han sido volátiles debido a las interrupciones en la cadena de suministro.サプライチェーンの混乱により、コモディティ価格は不安定な状況が続いている。공급망 혼란으로 인해 원자재 가격의 변동성이 이어지고 있다.
- In the digital age, personal data has become a valuable commodity. 在数字时代,个人数据已成为一种有价值的商品。En la era digital, los datos personales se han convertido en una mercancía valiosa.デジタル時代において、個人データは貴重な商品となっている。디지털 시대에 개인 데이터는 귀중한 상품이 되었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French commodité (convenience, advantage), from Latin commoditas (fitness, convenience), from commodus (suitable, convenient). Entered English in the 15th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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