proprietary

/proprietary/

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The word "proprietary" can be both an adjective and a noun, and here's a simple explanation for each.

As an Adjective:

Definition: When something is described as "proprietary," it means that it is owned by a specific person or company and is protected by laws like trademarks, patents, or copyrights. This means that no one else can use, sell, or copy it without permission.

As a Noun:

Definition: When "proprietary" is used as a noun, it refers to a type of business that is owned by one person. This person is responsible for all the business's debts and gets to keep all the profits.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "proprietary" may relate to trade secrets or proprietary technology, which companies often keep confidential to maintain a competitive edge.

Word Variants:

• Proprietorship (noun): The state of owning a business.
• Proprietor (noun): A person who owns a business.

Different Meanings:

1. Business Ownership: Refers to the sole ownership of a business.
2. Legal Protection: In the context of products or information, it refers to items that are protected by law.

Synonyms:

• For the adjective form: exclusive, owned, private.
• For the noun form: sole proprietorship, individual business.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "proprietary" does not have common idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, it is often used in discussions about business ownership and legal rights.

Summary:

• As an adjective, "proprietary" describes something owned and protected legally.
• As a noun, it refers to a type of business owned by one person.
• Related words include proprietorship and proprietor.
• Synonyms include exclusive and private.

Academic

Adjective

1. protected by trademark or patent or copyright; made or produced or distributed by one having exclusive rights
   • `Tylenol' is a proprietary drug of which `acetaminophen' is the generic form

Noun

1. an unincorporated business owned by a single person who is responsible for its liabilities and entitled to its profits

Synonyms

• proprietorship