Tariff Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：import tax (tariff)

tariff 🔊

/ˈtærɪf/

A tax that a government charges on goods when they are imported or exported, often to control trade or make money.

import tax 🔊

➕

/ˈɪmpɔːrt tæks/

A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on goods imported into or exported from a country, typically used to regulate trade and generate revenue.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Arabic 'ta‘rīf' (notification/list of prices), via Italian tariffa.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'tar' (sticky substance) on goods; you must pay a tariff to release them.

📖 Example

To support local manufacturers, the country raised the tariff on imported electronics. 🔊 The country increased the tariff on imported electronics to support local manufacturers.

🔗 Collocations

impose a tariff on – to officially put a tariff on goods

reduce tariffs – to lower the rates of tariffs

high tariff barriers – restrictive tariffs that limit trade

🔄 Synonyms

duty (n.) – A tax on imports or exports, similar to a tariff.

levy (n.) – A tax or fee imposed by a government, often on trade.

customs duty (n.) – A tax on goods transported across borders, synonymous with tariff.

🚫 Antonyms

free trade (n.) – Trade without tariffs or restrictions.

subsidy (n.) – Financial support given to producers, opposite of a tax on goods.

🌱 Derivatives

tariffed (adj.) – Subject to a tariff.

tariffing (n.) – The act of imposing tariffs.

tariff-free (adj.) – Exempt from tariffs.

📖 Cultural Story

Tariff entered English via Italian, derived from Arabic 'ta‘rīf' meaning notification or list of fees. Used in medieval Mediterranean ports for customs duties.