Definition of Tariff
Quick Meaning of Tariff
A tax on goods that enter or leave a country, often used to protect local businesses from foreign competition.
Detailed Definition of Tariff
A tax imposed by a government on imported or exported goods, usually designed to protect domestic industries or raise government revenue.
How to Pronounce Tariff
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: TAR-iff. Stress the first syllable TAR. Two syllables: TAR-iff. The second syllable is unstressed with schwa sound.
Watch out: Learners may stress the second syllable (tar-IFF) or mispronounce the ending. Stress TAR clearly and keep 'iff' short and unstressed.
Origin and Etymology of Tariff
From Arabic 'tariff' (inventory, list of prices) via Italian 'tariffa'. The term entered European trade language in the 16th-17th centuries when customs duties became systematic and formalized.
How to Use Tariff in a Sentence
Each example shows “tariff” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The government imposed a new tariff on imported steel to protect domestic manufacturers.”
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“High tariffs on agricultural products protect farmers in developing countries.”
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“Trade negotiations focused on reducing tariffs between the two nations.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Tariff
Common Synonyms for Tariff
Smart Synonyms for Tariff — When to Use Each
- import tax
- Specifically taxes on incoming goods
- customs duty
- More formal legal/administrative term
- trade tax
- Broader term covering all trade-related taxes
Common Collocations with Tariff
These phrases pair with “tariff” in everyday English:
- import tariff
- export tariff
- apply a tariff
- impose tariffs
- tariff rate
Common Mistakes When Using Tariff
Even fluent speakers slip up with “tariff”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The tariff protect domestic industries from competition.
- ✓ Correct: The tariff protects domestic industries from competition.
- Why: Singular 'tariff' takes 's': 'protects' not 'protect'.
- ✗ Wrong: Tariffs on goods are designed to protecting local businesses.
- ✓ Correct: Tariffs on goods are designed to protect local businesses.
- Why: 'To + base verb' not 'to + -ing': 'to protect' not 'to protecting'.
- ✗ Wrong: The government imposed tariff on imported cars.
- ✓ Correct: The government imposed tariffs on imported cars.
- Why: After 'imposed' (plural object expected), use 'tariffs' not 'tariff'.
Other Forms of Tariff
- Noun: tariff
Frequently Asked Questions About Tariff
What is the meaning of "Tariff"?
A tax on goods that enter or leave a country, often used to protect local businesses from foreign competition.
How do you pronounce "Tariff"?
The IPA is /ˈtærɪf/. TAR-iff. Stress the first syllable TAR. Two syllables: TAR-iff. The second syllable is unstressed with schwa sound.
What part of speech is "Tariff"?
"Tariff" is a noun at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Tariff"?
Common synonyms include import tax, customs duty, trade tax.
How do you use "Tariff" in a sentence?
For example: "The government imposed a new tariff on imported steel to protect domestic manufacturers."