expense 30 सेकंड में
- Expense refers to money spent on goods or services.
- In business, it represents the costs incurred to generate revenue.
- It can be literal (financial) or metaphorical (a sacrifice or trade-off).
- Commonly used in budgeting, accounting, and daily financial discussions.
The word expense fundamentally refers to the outflow of money or resources to acquire something or maintain a state of being. In its simplest form, it is the 'cost' of living or doing business. When you buy a cup of coffee, that five-dollar bill is an expense. However, the term carries more weight in formal and professional contexts, particularly in accounting and corporate environments. In these settings, an expense is not just a one-time purchase but a necessary cost incurred to generate revenue. For instance, a company must pay rent for its office; this is an operating expense. Without the office, the company cannot function, so the expense is a vital part of the business cycle. Understanding expenses is the first step toward financial literacy, as it allows individuals and organizations to track where their wealth is going and how to optimize their spending habits.
- Personal Expense
- Money spent on daily needs like food, clothing, and entertainment.
- Business Expense
- Costs like salaries, rent, and utilities required to run a company.
- Capital Expense
- Large investments in long-term assets like machinery or buildings.
"The monthly expense for our apartment includes rent, water, and electricity."
"We need to reduce our travel expenses to meet the budget."
Beyond the literal financial meaning, 'expense' can also be used figuratively. When we say something was done 'at the expense of' someone else, we mean that one person benefited while the other suffered or lost something. This highlights the concept of trade-offs. For example, 'He achieved success at the expense of his health' suggests that the cost of his career was his physical well-being. This metaphorical usage is common in literature and high-level debate, moving the word from a simple accounting term to a profound philosophical concept regarding sacrifice and value.
"The company's growth came at the expense of environmental sustainability."
- Fixed Expense
- A cost that remains the same every month, like a gym membership.
- Variable Expense
- A cost that changes, such as grocery bills or gas prices.
"No expense was spared in the renovation of the palace."
"Legal expenses can quickly drain a small business's savings."
Using the word 'expense' correctly requires understanding its role as both a noun for specific items and a general concept. In everyday conversation, you will most likely use it in the plural form—'expenses'—to talk about the various things you pay for. For example, 'My living expenses are very high in this city.' Here, 'expenses' covers rent, food, and transport. When you use the singular 'expense,' you are often highlighting a specific cost or using it in a set phrase. For instance, 'The expense of maintaining a car is more than I expected.' In this case, you are focusing on the singular burden of car ownership.
In a professional or business context, 'expense' is often paired with verbs like 'incur,' 'reimburse,' 'deduct,' or 'offset.' If you travel for work, your company might 'reimburse your expenses,' meaning they give you back the money you spent. If you 'incur an expense,' it simply means you have run into a cost that must be paid. Accountants 'track expenses' to ensure the company stays profitable. You might also hear about 'tax-deductible expenses,' which are costs that can be subtracted from your income so you pay less tax. This technical usage is crucial for anyone working in an office or running their own business.
The phrase 'at the expense of' is a sophisticated way to describe a trade-off. It is used to show that one thing is achieved by damaging or losing another. For example, 'The city expanded at the expense of the surrounding forest.' This means the city grew, but the forest was destroyed as a result. Another common idiom is 'spare no expense,' which means to spend as much money as necessary to make something perfect. If someone says, 'They spared no expense for the wedding,' they mean the wedding was incredibly lavish and expensive. Mastering these nuances allows you to transition from basic financial talk to complex social and professional descriptions.
You will encounter the word 'expense' in a variety of environments, ranging from the kitchen table to the corporate boardroom. In a domestic setting, families often discuss 'monthly expenses' when planning their budgets. You might hear a parent say, 'We need to cut down on our dining-out expenses this month.' In this context, the word is synonymous with 'spending' or 'bills.' It is a practical, grounded term used to manage the household economy. News reports on the economy also frequently use the term, discussing 'rising living expenses' or 'government expenses' to describe how inflation or policy changes affect the public's wallet.
In the workplace, 'expense' is a daily term. If you work in sales or a role that requires travel, you will likely have to submit an 'expense report.' This is a document where you list everything you spent—meals, hotels, flights—so the company can pay you back. You might hear your manager say, 'Please keep all your receipts for your travel expenses.' In corporate meetings, executives discuss 'operating expenses' (OPEX), which are the ongoing costs of running the business, versus 'capital expenses' (CAPEX), which are major investments. Hearing these terms helps you understand the financial health and strategy of an organization.
Legal and academic settings also use 'expense' frequently. In a courtroom, a judge might order one party to pay the 'legal expenses' of another. In academic writing, researchers might discuss the 'environmental expense' of a particular industrial process, using the word in its metaphorical sense to describe the damage done to nature. Even in casual social settings, you might hear it: 'The party was great, but the expense was huge!' Whether you are reading a bank statement, a news article about the national debt, or a contract, 'expense' is a foundational word for describing the movement of value.
One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing 'expense' with 'expensive.' Remember that 'expense' is a noun (a thing), while 'expensive' is an adjective (a description). You cannot say 'This car is a big expense' if you mean it costs a lot of money; though grammatically possible, it's more natural to say 'This car is very expensive.' However, you *can* say 'The expense of the car is too high,' where 'expense' refers to the total cost. Another frequent error is using 'expense' when 'price' or 'cost' would be more appropriate. While they are related, 'price' is what is asked for an item, while 'expense' is the act of spending the money. You pay the 'price,' and that payment becomes an 'expense' for you.
Learners also struggle with the plural vs. singular forms. In business, 'expenses' (plural) almost always refers to a collection of different costs (travel, food, supplies). If you say 'I have an expense,' it sounds like you are talking about one specific, singular receipt. In general conversation, 'living expenses' is always plural. Saying 'My living expense is high' sounds unnatural to native speakers. Additionally, the phrase 'at the expense of' is often misused. Some learners try to say 'at the cost of' in every situation, but 'at the expense of' is specifically used when one thing's gain is another's loss. It implies a zero-sum game or a negative consequence for the second party mentioned.
Finally, there is a spelling trap. Some people mistakenly write 'expence' with a 'c.' While this was an older spelling centuries ago, modern English exclusively uses 'expense' with an 's.' Another subtle mistake is using 'expense' as a verb. While 'to expense something' is used in business jargon (meaning to charge something to a company account), it is not common in general English. Instead of saying 'I will expense this meal,' it is better for learners to say 'I will pay for this meal' or 'The company will cover the cost of this meal' until they are very comfortable with office terminology.
The word 'expense' lives in a family of terms related to money and value. The most direct synonym is cost. However, 'cost' is more general. You can talk about the 'cost of a shirt,' but you wouldn't usually call a single shirt an 'expense' unless you are looking at your budget as a whole. Expenditure is a more formal synonym, often used by governments or large organizations. You might read about 'public expenditure on education.' It sounds more official and grand than 'expense.' Another related word is outlay, which refers to the initial amount of money spent on a new project or investment. If you start a business, your 'initial outlay' might include buying equipment and renting a shop.
On the other side, we have words like overhead. In business, 'overhead' refers specifically to the ongoing expenses that aren't directly tied to making a product, like rent and insurance. While all overhead is an expense, not all expenses are overhead. For example, the wood used to make a table is an expense, but it's a 'direct cost,' not overhead. Disbursement is another very formal term, used mainly in law and accounting to describe the act of paying out money from a fund. If a lawyer pays a court fee on your behalf, they will list it as a disbursement on your bill.
Understanding these synonyms helps you choose the right level of formality. Use 'cost' for daily items, 'expense' for budgeting and business, 'expenditure' for formal reports, and 'overhead' when discussing the 'hidden' costs of running an operation. There are also antonyms like income, revenue, and profit. While an expense is money going out, income is money coming in. Profit is what is left over after you subtract all your expenses from your total revenue. Keeping these distinctions clear is essential for anyone who wants to speak accurately about finances in English.
How Formal Is It?
कठिनाई स्तर
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
Countable vs. Uncountable nouns
Prepositional phrases (at the expense of)
Compound nouns (travel expenses)
Gerunds after prepositions
Passive voice in business reporting
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
Food is a big expense every week.
L'alimentation est une grosse dépense chaque semaine.
Singular noun as a subject.
The expense of the toy was ten dollars.
Le coût du jouet était de dix dollars.
Using 'the expense of' to show cost.
I have many expenses this month.
J'ai beaucoup de dépenses ce mois-ci.
Plural form 'expenses'.
Is the expense too high for you?
La dépense est-elle trop élevée pour vous ?
Question form with 'is'.
We need to track every expense.
Nous devons suivre chaque dépense.
Verb 'track' followed by the noun.
This small expense is not a problem.
Cette petite dépense n'est pas un problème.
Adjective 'small' modifying 'expense'.
The total expense was fifty euros.
La dépense totale était de cinquante euros.
Compound noun 'total expense'.
What is your biggest expense?
Quelle est votre plus grande dépense ?
Superlative adjective 'biggest'.
My living expenses include rent and food.
Mes frais de subsistance comprennent le loyer et la nourriture.
Common phrase 'living expenses'.
The company pays for my travel expenses.
L'entreprise paie mes frais de déplacement.
Compound phrase 'travel expenses'.
We can share the expense of the taxi.
Nous pouvons partager les frais de taxi.
Using 'share the expense' as a phrase.
It is a necessary expense for my job.
C'est une dépense nécessaire pour mon travail.
Adjective 'necessary' modifying 'expense'.
I keep all my receipts for my expenses.
Je garde tous mes reçus pour mes dépenses.
Plural noun after a preposition.
The expense of moving house is very high.
Le coût d'un déménagement est très élevé.
Gerund 'moving' used after 'expense of'.
He wrote down his expenses in a diary.
Il a noté ses dépenses dans un journal.
Past tense verb 'wrote' with plural object.
They want to reduce their monthly expenses.
Ils veulent réduire leurs dépenses mensuelles.
Infinitive 'to reduce' with the noun.
The project was completed at great expense.
Le projet a été achevé à grands frais.
Prepositional phrase 'at great expense'.
You will be reimbursed for any business expenses.
Vous serez remboursé pour tous les frais professionnels.
Passive voice 'be reimbursed'.
Legal expenses can be very difficult to manage.
Les frais juridiques peuvent être très difficiles à gérer.
Noun as a subject with a modal verb.
The expense of the wedding was more than expected.
Le coût du mariage était plus élevé que prévu.
Comparative 'more than expected'.
We need to justify this expense to the board.
Nous devons justifier cette dépense auprès du conseil d'administration.
Verb 'justify' used with 'expense'.
The new car was a major expense for the family.
La nouvelle voiture a été une dépense majeure pour la famille.
Predicate nominative after 'was'.
They are trying to cut down on unnecessary expenses.
Ils essaient de réduire les dépenses inutiles.
Phrasal verb 'cut down on'.
The expense of maintaining the garden is high.
Le coût de l'entretien du jardin est élevé.
Gerund 'maintaining' as part of the noun phrase.
He succeeded, but at the expense of his health.
Il a réussi, mais au détriment de sa santé.
Idiomatic use 'at the expense of'.
The company decided to expense the new equipment.
L'entreprise a décidé de passer le nouvel équipement en charges.
Using 'expense' as a verb (business jargon).
Operating expenses have risen by ten percent this year.
Les charges d'exploitation ont augmenté de dix pour cent cette année.
Technical term 'operating expenses'.
No expense was spared to make the event a success.
Aucune dépense n'a été épargnée pour faire de l'événement un succès.
Idiom 'no expense was spared'.
The environmental expense of the oil spill is huge.
Le coût environnemental de la marée noire est énorme.
Metaphorical use of 'expense'.
They had to offset the expense with new revenue.
Ils ont dû compenser la dépense par de nouveaux revenus.
Verb 'offset' used in a financial context.
The expense of the trial was a burden on the state.
Le coût du procès a été un fardeau pour l'État.
Noun phrase as the subject.
We must consider the expense before making a decision.
Nous devons tenir compte de la dépense avant de prendre une décision.
Modal 'must' with 'consider'.
The tax laws allow for the deduction of certain expenses.
Les lois fiscales permettent la déduction de certaines dépenses.
Formal legal/financial context.
The rapid expansion came at the expense of quality control.
L'expansion rapide s'est faite au détriment du contrôle de la qualité.
Abstract trade-off usage.
He lived a life of luxury at the public's expense.
Il a mené une vie de luxe aux frais du public.
Idiom 'at someone's expense'.
The capital expense for the new factory was amortized over ten years.
La dépense d'investissement pour la nouvelle usine a été amortie sur dix ans.
Highly technical accounting term 'capital expense'.
The sheer expense of the project led to its eventual cancellation.
Le coût exorbitant du projet a conduit à son annulation finale.
Use of 'sheer' for emphasis.
The philosophical expense of his choice was too much to bear.
Le coût philosophique de son choix était trop lourd à porter.
Deeply metaphorical/abstract usage.
Miscellaneous expenses often go unnoticed in a large budget.
Les dépenses diverses passent souvent inaperçues dans un budget important.
Adjective 'miscellaneous' with plural noun.
The litigation was settled, but at significant expense to both parties.
Le litige a été réglé, mais au prix de dépenses importantes pour les deux parties.
Formal 'litigation' context.
The hegemony was maintained at the expense of regional autonomy.
L'hégémonie a été maintenue au détriment de l'autonomie régionale.
Political science context.
The aesthetic of the film was achieved at the expense of narrative clarity.
L'esthétique du film a été obtenue au détriment de la clarté narrative.
Artistic criticism context.
The non-recurring expense significantly impacted the quarterly earnings.
La charge non récurrente a eu un impact significatif sur les résultats trimestriels.
Advanced financial reporting terminology.
Such a lavish lifestyle is unsustainable at the current rate of expense.
Un tel mode de vie luxueux n'est pas viable au rythme actuel des dépenses.
Formal evaluative statement.
The cognitive expense of multitasking is often underestimated.
Le coût cognitif du multitâche est souvent sous-estimé.
Scientific/psychological metaphor.
The treaty was signed, albeit at the expense of several key alliances.
Le traité a été signé, bien qu'au détriment de plusieurs alliances clés.
Diplomatic context with 'albeit'.
The sheer magnitude of the expense necessitated a public inquiry.
L'ampleur même de la dépense a nécessité une enquête publique.
Formal governance context.
He made a joke at his own expense to lighten the mood.
Il a fait une blague à ses propres dépens pour détendre l'atmosphère.
Common social idiom 'at one's own expense'.
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
वाक्य संरचनाएँ
इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
'At the expense of' is one of the most useful academic phrases for describing negative consequences.
'Expense' often refers to the concept or a single item; 'expenses' refers to the total list of costs.
- Using 'expense' (noun) instead of 'expensive' (adjective).
- Spelling it as 'expence'.
- Using the singular 'expense' when the plural 'expenses' is more natural.
- Confusing 'expense' with 'price' (price is the tag, expense is the act of paying).
- Misusing 'at the expense of' to mean 'because of' (it actually means 'to the detriment of').
सुझाव
Plural Usage
When talking about your monthly budget, always use the plural 'expenses.' It sounds much more natural than the singular. For example, say 'My expenses are high' rather than 'My expense is high.' This shows you are thinking of all your costs together.
Business Jargon
In an office, learn the term 'expense report.' This is the most common way you will use the word at work. Knowing how to 'file an expense report' is a basic skill in many professional jobs. It involves listing your work costs for reimbursement.
Sophisticated Writing
Use the phrase 'at the expense of' in your essays. It is a great way to show a complex relationship between two things. For example, 'Industrial growth often comes at the expense of the environment.' This makes your writing sound more advanced and analytical.
Stress the End
Remember to put the emphasis on the second syllable: ex-PENSE. If you stress the first syllable, it might be harder for native speakers to understand you quickly. Practice saying it softly on the 'ex' and loudly on the 'pense'.
The 'S' Rule
Never use a 'c' in expense. A good way to remember this is that 'expense' is related to 'expensive,' which also uses an 's.' If you can spell 'expensive,' you can spell 'expense' correctly every time. Just drop the 'ive'!
Cultural Sensitivity
Be careful when asking people about their expenses. In many cultures, money is a private topic. Instead of asking 'What are your expenses?', you might ask 'Is the cost of living high here?' This is a more polite and general way to get the same information.
Fixed vs. Variable
Learn the difference between fixed and variable expenses. Fixed expenses (like rent) don't change. Variable expenses (like food) do change. This distinction is very helpful when you are trying to save money or explain a financial plan.
Spare No Expense
Use the idiom 'spare no expense' when you want to describe something that is top-quality. It's a very positive way to talk about a well-organized event or a beautiful product. It suggests that the quality was more important than the cost.
News Keywords
When listening to financial news, 'expense' is a keyword. It often signals that the reporter is talking about why a company's profits went down or why a government budget is in trouble. Listening for this word helps you follow economic stories.
Justifying Costs
In business writing, you often have to 'justify an expense.' This means explaining why the money was spent and why it was a good idea. Practice using 'expense' with verbs like 'justify,' 'approve,' and 'authorize' for professional emails.
याद करें
स्मृति सहायक
EX-pense is money that goes OUT (EXit).
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
Latin
सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
Splitting the expense (going Dutch) is common in some cultures but can be seen as stingy in others where one person usually pays for the group.
In many countries, it is standard for companies to cover travel expenses, but employees must provide detailed receipts.
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"What is your biggest monthly expense?"
"Do you think travel is a worthwhile expense?"
"How do you keep track of your daily expenses?"
"Have you ever spared no expense for a special occasion?"
"Do you think success often comes at the expense of personal time?"
डायरी विषय
List three expenses you can cut this month to save money.
Describe a time you achieved something at the expense of something else.
Is there an expense you regret making? Why?
How would your life change if your living expenses were cut in half?
Write about a dream event where you would spare no expense.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालIn general English, no, it is a noun. However, in business jargon, people use it as a verb meaning to record a cost in the company's accounts. For example, 'I will expense this flight.' It is best to use it as a noun in most situations.
Cost is a general term for the amount of money needed for something. Expense is more specific to accounting and budgeting. You pay the cost of a coffee, but the coffee is an expense in your daily budget. Expense often implies a necessary payment for a purpose.
Yes, they are very similar. However, 'at the expense of' is more common when talking about one person or thing being hurt so another can benefit. 'At the cost of' is more general about any kind of loss. Both are correct.
Living expenses are the basic costs of daily life. This includes things like rent, electricity, water, food, and transportation. When people move to a new city, they usually check the 'cost of living' to see if their living expenses will be high or low.
Yes, it is countable. You can have one expense or many expenses. In business, you often talk about 'an expense' (one receipt) or 'expenses' (the whole report). In general talk, the plural 'expenses' is much more common.
It means to spend as much money as is needed to make something as good as possible. If a king builds a palace and spares no expense, he uses the best materials and the best workers, regardless of how much it costs. It implies luxury.
This is a business cost that you can subtract from your total income before you calculate your taxes. This means you pay less tax. Common examples include office supplies, business travel, and work-related training. It is a very important term for business owners.
You can use it as a subject: 'The expense was too high.' You can use it as an object: 'I cannot afford this expense.' Or you can use it in a phrase: 'He traveled at the company's expense.' It usually follows an adjective or a possessive noun.
This is an expense that you pay for with your own money, even if someone else (like a company or insurance) might pay you back later. For example, if you buy a notebook for work with your own cash, it is an out-of-pocket expense.
No, 'expence' is an incorrect spelling in modern English. You should always spell it with an 's': 'expense.' While you might see the 'c' spelling in very old books from hundreds of years ago, it is never used today.
खुद को परखो 180 सवाल
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
An expense is the financial cost of an action or item. Whether it's a personal bill or a corporate operating cost, understanding expenses is vital for managing money and understanding the trade-offs involved in any decision.
- Expense refers to money spent on goods or services.
- In business, it represents the costs incurred to generate revenue.
- It can be literal (financial) or metaphorical (a sacrifice or trade-off).
- Commonly used in budgeting, accounting, and daily financial discussions.
Plural Usage
When talking about your monthly budget, always use the plural 'expenses.' It sounds much more natural than the singular. For example, say 'My expenses are high' rather than 'My expense is high.' This shows you are thinking of all your costs together.
Business Jargon
In an office, learn the term 'expense report.' This is the most common way you will use the word at work. Knowing how to 'file an expense report' is a basic skill in many professional jobs. It involves listing your work costs for reimbursement.
Sophisticated Writing
Use the phrase 'at the expense of' in your essays. It is a great way to show a complex relationship between two things. For example, 'Industrial growth often comes at the expense of the environment.' This makes your writing sound more advanced and analytical.
Stress the End
Remember to put the emphasis on the second syllable: ex-PENSE. If you stress the first syllable, it might be harder for native speakers to understand you quickly. Practice saying it softly on the 'ex' and loudly on the 'pense'.
उदाहरण
Food is my biggest monthly expense.
संबंधित सामग्री
संदर्भ में सीखें
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
Business के और शब्द
abmercship
C1वाणिज्यिक बाजारों और व्यापारिक प्रभावों से पूर्ण स्वतंत्रता की स्थिति से संबंधित। यह उन प्रणालियों, व्यवहारों, या संस्थाओं का वर्णन करता है जो व्यापार और मौद्रिक विनिमय के पारंपरिक ढांचे के पूरी तरह से बाहर काम करती हैं। इस अवधारणा को अक्सर वैकल्पिक अर्थव्यवस्थाओं और जानबूझकर बनाए गए समुदायों पर चर्चाओं में खोजा जाता है।
account
A2किसी बात का कारण बताना या स्पष्टीकरण देना।
accountant
B2एक मुनीम या लेखाकार वह पेशेवर है जो वित्तीय रिकॉर्ड बनाए रखने, निरीक्षण करने और उनका विश्लेषण करने के लिए जिम्मेदार है।
acquisition
B2इस कंपनी का अधिग्रहण कल पूरा हो गया था।
acumen
B2उनकी व्यावसायिक कुशाग्रता ने कंपनी को नई ऊंचाइयों पर पहुँचाया।
administrate
B2प्रशासन करने का अर्थ है किसी संगठन के कार्यों का प्रबंधन या पर्यवेक्षण करना।
administration
C1प्रशासन किसी संगठन, व्यवसाय या सरकार को चलाने की प्रक्रिया या गतिविधि है।
administrative
C1किसी व्यवसाय, संस्था या सरकार के प्रबंधन और संगठन से संबंधित।
advertisement
A1विज्ञापन एक सूचना, तस्वीर या लघु फिल्म है जो लोगों को किसी उत्पाद, सेवा या नौकरी के बारे में बताती है। इसका मुख्य उद्देश्य लोगों को कुछ खरीदने के लिए राजी करना या जनता को जानकारी प्रदान करना है। विज्ञापन आधुनिक विपणन का एक अनिवार्य हिस्सा है, जिसका उद्देश्य ध्यान आकर्षित करना और उपभोक्ता निर्णयों को प्रभावित करना है।
advertiser
B2एक विज्ञापनदाता वह व्यक्ति या कंपनी है जो विज्ञापनों के लिए भुगतान करती है। वे अपने उत्पादों या सेवाओं को जनता तक पहुँचाते हैं।
