What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stockbroker
Example
My stockbroker advised me to invest in tech stocks. [stockbroker: noun]
Example
She works as a stockbroker at a major investment firm. [stockbroker: noun]
trader
Example
He's a day trader who makes a living from buying and selling stocks. [trader: noun]
Example
She traded her shares in the company for a profit. [traded: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trader is a more general term that can refer to anyone who buys and sells financial assets, while stockbroker is a specific profession that requires licensing and working for a brokerage firm. In everyday language, trader may be more commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stockbroker and trader?
Stockbroker is a more formal term, often associated with professional financial services, while trader can be used in both formal and informal contexts.