What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
seller
Example
The seller at the market was very friendly and helpful. [seller: noun]
Example
She is selling her old clothes online. [selling: verb]
merchant
Example
The merchant imported spices from India to sell in his store. [merchant: noun]
Example
She worked as a merchant, traveling to different countries to buy and sell goods. [merchant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Seller is more commonly used in everyday language, while merchant is more formal and less commonly used. Seller is a more modern term, while merchant has a longer history and is associated with trade and commerce throughout history.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between seller and merchant?
Merchant is more formal and has a historical connotation, while seller is more casual and commonly used in everyday language. Both terms can be used in formal and informal contexts, but merchant may be more appropriate in formal settings due to its historical significance.