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Pastsimple Posted 17 years ago
Vocabulary

Trader/merchant

Hi,

what's the difference between a trader and a merchant?
  

Top answer

When applied to someone engaged in the wholesale buying and selling of physical goods, there isn't much of a difference to me. However, "trader" is also applied to people who buy and sell financial products (such as shares) and to retailers. You wouldn't use "merchant" in these cases.

— Mr Wordy

  • When applied to someone engaged in the wholesale buying and selling of physical goods, there isn't much of a difference to me.
  • However, "trader" is also applied to people who buy and sell financial products (such as shares) and to retailers.
  • You wouldn't use "merchant" in these cases.
  • There may well be other context-sensitive differences too.
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1 Answers
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When applied to someone engaged in the wholesale buying and selling of physical goods, there isn't much of a difference to me.

However, "trader" is also applied to people who buy and sell financial products (such as shares) and to retailers. You wouldn't use "merchant" in these cases.

There may well be other context-sensitive differences too.
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