Dollar

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈdɒlər/ (British) or /ˈdɑːlər/ (American)

Definitions

• A unit of currency used in several countries, especially the United States and Canada.
• The basic monetary unit of the United States, equal to 100 cents.
• A coin or note of the currency of various countries (e.g., US dollar, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar).
• Informally used to refer to money in general.

Usage Examples

• He paid five dollars for the book.
• The exchange rate is fluctuating, and one dollar is now worth less than it was last year.
• She earns ten dollars an hour at her part-time job.

Etymology

The word "dollar" is derived from the German "Thaler" (or "Taler"), a silver coin used in Europe in the 16th century. The Thaler name itself comes from "Joachimsthal," a town in Bohemia where silver was mined. The term was later adapted into several languages and became synonymous with various forms of currency used in the United States and elsewhere.

Synonyms

• Buck
• Greenback
• Cash
• Currency
• Money

Antonyms

• Debt
• Deficit
• Liability

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In the United States, "dollar" is often pronounced with a more open "a" sound (/ˈdɑːlər/), while in the UK, it is pronounced with a more closed "o" sound (/ˈdɒlər/). Some regions may also shorten the word informally to "buck," particularly in colloquial American English.

Historical Usage

The dollar has its roots in European coinage dating back to the 16th century. The term "dollar" was used to refer to the "Thaler," a large silver coin used in various European countries, which later influenced the name of the currency in the United States. The dollar became the official currency of the United States in 1792 and has since become one of the most widely used currencies in the world.

Cultural Nuances

The dollar plays a significant role in global finance and trade, often being used as a standard for international currency exchange. In American culture, "dollar bills" are widely recognized as symbols of economic power and consumerism. The dollar is also central to economic discussions, such as GDP measurement, and is frequently used as a measure of wealth across many societies.

More Information

The dollar has evolved over time to become not just the currency of the United States, but a global standard for exchange, investment, and trade. It is used extensively in global markets and is also the primary currency for many international commodities, including oil. The dollar's influence extends beyond its role in financial systems, affecting global politics, economics, and even culture, as seen in films, music, and other forms of media.