Purchase vs. Buy

Purchase vs. Buy — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Purchase and Buy

Purchasenoun

(obsolete) The act or process of seeking and obtaining something (e.g. property, etc.)

Buyverb

(transitive) To obtain (something) in exchange for money or goods

I'm going to buy my father something nice for his birthday.

Purchasenoun

An individual item one has purchased.

Buyverb

(transitive) To obtain by some sacrifice.

I've bought material comfort by foregoing my dreams.

Purchasenoun

The acquisition of title to, or property in, anything for a price; buying for money or its equivalent.

They offer a free hamburger with the purchase of a drink.

Buyverb

(transitive) To bribe.

He tried to buy me with gifts, but I wouldn't give up my beliefs.
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Purchasenoun

That which is obtained, got or acquired, in any manner, honestly or dishonestly; property; possession; acquisition.

Buyverb

(transitive) To be equivalent to in value.

The dollar doesn't buy as much as it used to.

Purchasenoun

That which is obtained for a price in money or its equivalent.

He was pleased with his latest purchase.

Buyverb

to accept as true; to believe

I'm not going to buy your stupid excuses anymore!

Purchasenoun

(uncountable) Any mechanical hold or advantage, applied to the raising or removing of heavy bodies, as by a lever, a tackle or capstan.

It is hard to get purchase on a nail without a pry bar or hammer.

Buyverb

(intransitive) To make a purchase or purchases, to treat (for a meal)

She buys for Federated.Let's go out for dinner. I'm buying.
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Purchasenoun

The apparatus, tackle or device by which such mechanical advantage is gained and in nautical terminology the ratio of such a device, like a pulley, or block and tackle.

Buyverb

To make a bluff, usually a large one.

Smith tried to buy the pot on the river with a huge bluff

Purchasenoun

The amount of hold one has from an individual foothold or ledge.

Buynoun

Something which is bought; a purchase.

At only $30, the second-hand kitchen table was a great buy.

Purchasenoun

Acquisition of lands or tenements by means other than descent or inheritance, namely, by one's own act or agreement.

Buynoun

an advantageous purchase;

she got a bargain at the auctionthe stock was a real buy at that price

Purchasenoun

A price paid for a house or estate, etc. equal to the amount of the rent or income during the stated number of years.

Buyverb

obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction;

The family purchased a new carThe conglomerate acquired a new companyShe buys for the big department store

Purchaseverb

To pursue and obtain; to acquire by seeking; to gain, obtain, or acquire.

Buyverb

make illegal payments to in exchange for favors or influence;

This judge can be bought

Purchaseverb

To buy, obtain by payment of a price in money or its equivalent.

to purchase land, to purchase a house

Buyverb

acquire by trade or sacrifice or exchange;

She wanted to buy his love with her dedication to him and his work

Purchaseverb

To obtain by any outlay, as of labor, danger, or sacrifice, etc.

to purchase favor with flattery

Buyverb

accept as true;

I can't buy this story

Purchaseverb

To expiate by a fine or forfeit.

Buyverb

be worth or be capable of buying;

This sum will buy you a ride on the train

Purchaseverb

To apply to (anything) a device for obtaining a mechanical advantage; to get a purchase upon, or apply a purchase to.

to purchase a cannon

Purchaseverb

To put forth effort to obtain anything; to strive; to exert oneself.

Purchaseverb

To constitute the buying power for a purchase, have a trading value.

Many aristocratic refugees' portable treasures purchased their safe passage and comfortable exile during the revolution

Purchasenoun

the acquisition of something for payment;

they closed the purchase with a handshake

Purchasenoun

something acquired by purchase

Purchasenoun

a means of exerting influence or gaining advantage;

he could get no purchase on the situation

Purchasenoun

the mechanical advantage gained by being in a position to use a lever

Purchaseverb

obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction;

The family purchased a new carThe conglomerate acquired a new companyShe buys for the big department store