Agent or agency?

Question

Hello,I'd like to know what the differece it is between agent and agency. Are there any rules to follow when using these 2 words?Does agent refer to a person or an organization that represents another person or organization(like travel agent/model agent), while agency only means the relationship of this  representation? Am I right?Then, what does travel agency mean? Thanks!

Naumira · Accepted Answer

a·gent
/'e?d??nt/ Show Spelled[ey-juhnt] Show IPA
-noun
1.
a person or business authorized to act on another's behalf: Our agent in Hong Kong will ship the merchandise. A best-selling author needs a good agent.
2.
a person or thing that acts or has the power to act.
3.
a natural force or object producing or used for obtaining specific results: Many insects are agents of fertilization.
4.
an active cause; an efficient cause.
5.
a person who works for or manages an agency.
6.
a person who acts in an official capacity for a government or private agency, as a guard, detective, or spy: an FBI agent; the secret agents of a foreign power.
7.
a person responsible for a particular action: Who was the agent of this deed?
8.
Grammar . a form or construction, usually a noun or noun phrase, denoting an animate being that performs or causes the action expressed by the verb, as the police in The car was found by the police.
9.
Indian agent.
10.
a representative of a business firm, esp. a traveling salesperson; canvasser; solicitor.
11.
Chemistry . a substance that causes a reaction.
12.
Pharmacology . a drug or chemical capable of eliciting a biological response.
13.
Pathology . any microorganism capable of causing disease.
14.
British . a campaign manager; an election agent.
-adjective
15.
acting; exerting power ( opposed to patient).
-verb (used with object)
16.
to represent (a person or thing) as an agent; act as an agent for: to agent a manuscript; Who agented that deal?

-Synonyms
1. representative, deputy. 3. means.

a·gen·cy

/'e?

d??n

si/

Show Spelled[ey-juh

n-see]

Show IPA

–noun, plural -cies.
1.
an organization, company, or bureau that provides some service for another: a welfare agency.

2.
a company having a franchise to represent another.

3.
a governmental bureau, or an office that represents it.

4.
the place of business of an agent.

5.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Indian+agency

6.
an administrative division of a government.

7.
the duty or function of an agent.

8.
the relationship between a principal and his or her agent.

9.
the state of being in action or of exerting power; operation: the agency of Providence.

10.
a means of exerting power or influence; instrumentality: nominated by the agency of friends.

—Synonyms
10. intercession, good offices.

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Aleilei, As far I know travel Agency is a company providing services for travelling

Hopefully it can help you

Agent or agency?

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