Purchase vs. Buy: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 4, 2023
Purchase refers to acquiring something through exchange, often implying a formal process; Buy is a general term for obtaining ownership by payment.
Key Differences
Purchase and Buy are terms commonly associated with the act of obtaining goods or services. Purchase often carries a more formal or official tone. For instance, a company might purchase equipment for its operations. Buy, on the other hand, is a more casual term. An employee might buy lunch during a break.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
While Purchase is frequently used in business contexts, indicating a planned or strategic acquisition, Buy is versatile, fitting various situations, from everyday shopping to more significant investments. A firm might purchase a smaller company as part of its expansion strategy, while an individual might buy shares in that firm.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Purchase can also imply a sense of deliberation or careful consideration. An artist, for instance, might purchase materials after evaluating their quality and suitability. Buy, in contrast, can be more spontaneous. Someone might buy a painting because it caught their eye.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Additionally, Purchase can be used as both a noun and a verb. In the context of a transaction, the act is the purchase, and the item obtained is also a purchase. Buy, primarily used as a verb, focuses more on the action itself. You might buy something and later refer to it as a purchase.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
In everyday language, Purchase might sound more refined or official, whereas Buy is straightforward and universally understood. You might choose to purchase a property and then tell a friend you bought a new house.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
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Purchase and Buy Definitions
Purchase
A formal transaction of acquiring goods or services.
The library's purchase of new books benefits the community.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Buy
To obtain something in exchange for money.
I'll buy some groceries on my way home.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Buy
To acquire ownership through payment.
She wants to buy a new car next year.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Purchase
To acquire by effort; earn
Purchased the victory with the loss of many lives.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
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Buy
To secure or reserve a service or privilege.
Can you buy us seats for the movie tonight?
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Buy
To accept or believe an idea or proposition.
I don't buy his excuse for being late.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Buy
To influence or persuade with money.
He tried to buy the judge's favor, but it backfired.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Buy
To acquire in exchange for money or its equivalent; purchase. See Note at boughten.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
A hold or position that allows the application of power, as in moving something
Got a purchase for her foot and climbed up.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
To be capable of purchasing
"Certainly there are lots of things in life that money won't buy" (Ogden Nash).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
To acquire by sacrifice, exchange, or trade
Wanted to buy love with gifts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
A means or advantage that allows the increase of power or influence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
(Informal) To accept the truth or feasibility of
The officer didn't buy my lame excuse for speeding.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
That which is obtained, got or acquired, in any manner, honestly or dishonestly; property; possession; acquisition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
That which is obtained for a price in money or its equivalent.
He was pleased with his latest purchase.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
(obsolete) The act or process of seeking and obtaining something (e.g. property, etc.)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
A price paid for a house or estate, etc. equal to the amount of the rent or income during the stated number of years.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
To obtain (something) in exchange for money or goods.
I'm going to buy my father something nice for his birthday.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
To obtain, especially by some sacrifice.
I've bought material comfort by foregoing my dreams.
You just bought yourself an assault charge!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
To suffer consequences for (something) through being deprived of something; to pay for (something one has done).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
Acquisition of lands or tenements by means other than descent or inheritance, namely, by one's own act or agreement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
(transitive) To bribe.
He tried to buy me with gifts, but I wouldn't give up my beliefs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
To buy, obtain by payment of a price in money or its equivalent.
To purchase land, to purchase a house
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
(transitive) To be equivalent to in value.
The dollar doesn't buy as much as it used to.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
To pursue and obtain; to acquire by seeking; to gain, obtain, or acquire.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
To accept as true; to believe
I'm not going to buy your stupid excuses anymore!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
To obtain by any outlay, as of labor, danger, or sacrifice, etc.
To purchase favor with flattery
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
(intransitive) To make a purchase or purchases, to treat (for a drink, meal or gift)
She buys for Federated.
Let's go out for dinner. I'm buying.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
To make a bluff, usually a large one.
Smith tried to buy the pot on the river with a huge bluff
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
To apply to (anything) a device for obtaining a mechanical advantage; to get a purchase upon, or apply a purchase to; to raise or move by mechanical means.
To purchase a cannon
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
Something which is bought; a purchase.
At only $30, the second-hand kitchen table was a great buy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
To put forth effort to obtain anything; to strive; to exert oneself.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
To acquire the ownership of (property) by giving an accepted price or consideration therefor, or by agreeing to do so; to acquire by the payment of a price or value; to purchase; - opposed to sell.
Buy what thou hast no need of, and ere long thou wilt sell thy necessaries.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
To acquire or procure by something given or done in exchange, literally or figuratively; to get, at a cost or sacrifice; to buy pleasure with pain.
Buy the truth and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
To pursue and obtain; to acquire by seeking; to gain, obtain, or acquire.
That loves the thing he can not purchase.
Your accent is Something finer than you could purchase in so removed a dwelling.
His faults . . . hereditaryRather than purchased.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
To negotiate or treat about a purchase.
I will buy with you, sell with you.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
To obtain by paying money or its equivalent; to buy for a price; as, to purchase land, or a house.
The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
An advantageous purchase;
She got a bargain at the auction
The stock was a real buy at that price
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
To obtain by any outlay, as of labor, danger, or sacrifice, etc.; as, to purchase favor with flattery.
One poor retiring minute . . . Would purchase thee a thousand thousand friends.
A world who would not purchase with a bruise?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
Obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction;
The family purchased a new car
The conglomerate acquired a new company
She buys for the big department store
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
To expiate by a fine or forfeit.
Not tears nor prayers shall purchase out abuses.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
Make illegal payments to in exchange for favors or influence;
This judge can be bought
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
Acquire by trade or sacrifice or exchange;
She wanted to buy his love with her dedication to him and his work
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
To apply to (anything) a device for obtaining a mechanical advantage; to get a purchase upon, or apply a purchase to; as, to purchase a cannon.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
To put forth effort to obtain anything; to strive; to exert one's self.
Duke John of Brabant purchased greatly that the Earl of Flanders should have his daughter in marriage.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Buy
Be worth or be capable of buying;
This sum will buy you a ride on the train
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
To acquire wealth or property.
Sure our lawyersWould not purchase half so fast.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
The act of seeking, getting, or obtaining anything.
I'll . . . get meat to have thee,Or lose my life in the purchase.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
The acquisition of title to, or properly in, anything for a price; buying for money or its equivalent.
It is foolish to lay out money in the purchase of repentance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
That which is obtained, got, or acquired, in any manner, honestly or dishonestly; property; possession; acquisition.
We met with little purchase upon this coast, except two small vessels of Golconda.
A beauty-waning and distressed widow . . . Made prize and purchase of his lustful eye.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
Any mechanical hold, or advantage, applied to the raising or removing of heavy bodies, as by a lever, a tackle, capstan, and the like; also, the apparatus, tackle, or device by which the advantage is gained.
A politician, to do great things, looks for a power - what our workmen call a purchase.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
Acquisition of lands or tenements by other means than descent or inheritance, namely, by one's own act or agreement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
The acquisition of something for payment;
They closed the purchase with a handshake
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
A means of exerting influence or gaining advantage;
He could get no purchase on the situation
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
The mechanical advantage gained by being in a position to use a lever
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
Obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction;
The family purchased a new car
The conglomerate acquired a new company
She buys for the big department store
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2022
Purchase
To acquire something by paying for it.
He made a significant purchase at the art auction.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Purchase
To obtain ownership of a property or asset.
The company plans to purchase a new office space downtown.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Purchase
To get something in exchange for money or value.
She decided to purchase the dress after trying it on.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Purchase
To secure or reserve through payment.
They managed to purchase tickets for the sold-out concert.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
FAQs
Is "buy" always about spending money?
No, it can also mean to accept or believe something.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
In legal contexts, which term is preferred?
"Purchase" is typically preferred due to its formality.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can "buy" and "purchase" be used interchangeably?
Often, but not always, especially where tone or formality is concerned.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Which is more commonly used in everyday speech?
"Buy" is more common in casual, everyday conversations.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Can I use "buy" in a business context?
Yes, but "purchase" might sometimes be more appropriate depending on the formality.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Is there a difference in their origins?
Yes, "purchase" comes from Latin, while "buy" is from Old English.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Is "purchase" always more formal than "buy"?
Mostly yes, "purchase" tends to be more formal, but context matters.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Does "purchase" have meanings beyond transactions?
Yes, like indicating a grip or hold on something.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Does "purchase" imply a larger transaction?
Not necessarily, but it can emphasize the formality or importance of the transaction.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Are there idiomatic expressions with "buy"?
Yes, like "I wouldn't buy that for a dollar" indicating disbelief.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Are both words used as nouns and verbs?
Yes, you can make a purchase or buy something; you can also have a good buy or a significant purchase.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can you "buy" time?
In a figurative sense, yes. It means to delay something.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Can "purchase" also be a grip or hold?
Yes, like finding a "purchase" on a slippery surface.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Do people "purchase" groceries?
They can, but more often they "buy" groceries.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Is "purchase" always about money?
Mostly, but it can also mean obtaining something through effort or struggle.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Do all businesses use "purchase" in their transactions?
No, the choice between "buy" and "purchase" varies based on the business and context.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can "buy into" mean to invest?
Yes, like "buy into a company" or "buy into an idea," meaning to accept or support it.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
In marketing, which term is seen as more direct?
"Buy" is often seen as more direct and approachable.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Are "purchaser" and "buyer" equivalent as nouns?
They are similar, but "purchaser" can sound more formal than "buyer."
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
