Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈklaɪənt/

Definitions

• Noun: A person or organization that receives or pays for services or products from a business or professional.
• Noun (Law): A person or group engaging the services of a lawyer or law firm.
• Noun (Computing): A computer or device that connects to a network, typically a server, in order to access services or resources.

Usage Examples

• "The company has many loyal clients who return year after year."
• "As a client of the law firm, she received expert legal advice."
• "The software is compatible with both the client and the server."

Etymology

From Middle French client (meaning "follower or dependent"), from Latin clientem (accusative of cliens, "one who listens or depends"), from clinare, meaning "to lean" or "to incline." The term initially referred to people dependent on a patron in Roman society and later evolved into its modern business and legal meanings.

Synonyms

• Customer
• Patron
• Consumer
• Buyer
• Account

Antonyms

• Provider
• Supplier
• Vendor
• Servicer
• Seller

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ˈklaɪənt/
• British English: /ˈklaɪənt/
• Australian English: /ˈklaɪənt/

Historical Usage

The word "client" originates from Roman society, where it referred to a dependent person or follower of a patron. It evolved into its modern business and legal sense, where it describes individuals or organizations seeking or receiving services. Over time, its use expanded to include any person or organization receiving services in various sectors such as law, business, and technology.

Cultural Nuances

In modern society, "client" has become an essential term in business, law, and computing. The concept of the "client" has expanded to include individuals who rely on professional services, such as consulting, healthcare, or IT. In the digital age, the term is also used in computing to describe devices that access server resources. The role of the client in various industries underscores the value of relationships built on service, trust, and reliability.

More Information

The role of a "client" has continued to evolve with the digital transformation of business practices. In contemporary language, the term is commonly used to refer to anyone who engages with a business or service provider for specific needs, whether through traditional or online platforms. In computing, the client-server model is a critical structure, where clients request services or resources from a central server. The dynamic nature of the "client" in both traditional and digital contexts demonstrates its importance in modern communication and commerce.