customer
/'kʌstəmə/
Definition
Noun: 1. A person or organization that buys goods or services from a shop or business: The core meaning refers to the party who makes a purchase or pays for a service. 2. A person one has to deal with: (Informal) Used to describe a person of a specified type, often with an adjective.
Examples
- The store values every customer and strives to provide excellent service.
- She is a loyal customer of this local bakery.
- (Informal) He's a tough customer to negotiate with.
Advanced Usage
- "The customer is always right": A common business proverb emphasizing the importance of satisfying the customer's perspective, even if they are not factually correct.
- We apologized for the error, following the principle that the customer is always right.
- "Customer base": The group of customers who repeatedly buy from a company.
- The company's loyal customer base helped it survive the economic downturn.
Variants and Related Words
- Client (n): Often used for someone who uses professional services (e.g., a lawyer, architect). It can imply a more ongoing, advisory relationship than "customer."
- The firm has many high-profile clients.
- Consumer (n): A person who purchases goods and services for personal use. It's a broader economic term.
- Consumer confidence affects the overall economy.
- Patron (n): A customer of a shop, restaurant, or hotel, especially a regular one. Can also mean a supporter of the arts.
- He has been a patron of this restaurant for years.
Synonyms
- Buyer: A person who makes a purchase.
- Shopper: A person who is shopping.
- Purchaser: A formal term for a buyer.
Phrasal Verbs / Common Collocations
- To cater to a customer / customer needs: To provide what a particular customer wants.
- The new software update caters to customer needs for greater security.
- Customer service: The assistance and advice provided by a company to those who buy or use its products or services.
- Their customer service department is available 24/7.
- Customer satisfaction: The measure of how products and services supplied by a company meet or surpass customer expectation.
- High customer satisfaction leads to repeat business.
Related Idioms / Expressions
- A queer customer: (Old-fashioned, informal) An odd or strange person.
- He kept to himself and was known in the village as a queer customer.
Noun
-
someone who pays for goods or services
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ chứa "customer"
