Definition

Noun: * A person who buys; a buyer or purchaser. This is a formal or legal term, often used in the context of commerce, contracts, and property law. It emphasizes the individual in the role of acquiring goods or services in exchange for payment.

Usage

The word "emptor" is a formal and somewhat archaic term, most famously used in the Latin phrase "caveat emptor" (meaning "let the buyer beware"). In modern English, it is rarely used outside of this fixed legal expression. When used alone, it serves as a technical synonym for "buyer" or "purchaser."

Examples

• The contract clearly outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the vendor and the emptor.
• In many jurisdictions, the principle of caveat emptor places the burden of inspection on the emptor.
• The law provides certain protections for the emptor against fraudulent misrepresentation.

Advanced Usage

• Caveat emptor: A legal principle stating that the buyer is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before a purchase is made. The seller is not obligated to disclose defects unless asked directly.
  • When buying a used car privately, remember caveat emptor.

Variants and Related Words

• Emptor has no direct verb form in common English usage. The related action is "to buy" or "to purchase."
• Vendor (noun): The person who sells; the seller. This is the direct counterpart to "emptor."

Synonyms

• Buyer
• Purchaser
• Consumer (specifically one who buys goods for personal use)
• Client (in a service context)
• Customer

Antonyms

• Vendor
• Seller
• Supplier

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Caveat emptor: As detailed above, this is the primary and almost exclusive idiomatic use of the word "emptor" in contemporary English.

Noun

1. a person who buys