Difference Between Purchase and Buy

Purchase vs Buy
 

Difference between purchase and buy is an interesting topic to look into as many would say they both mean the same. Do you buy a mobile from the market or you purchase it? This is a conundrum not many would be able to answer. Generally speaking, both words mean the same thing which is the actual act of buying though there are some who feel that purchase is a more formal word while buy is a term that is casual and normally applies to anything you buy either from the market or online these days. However, can you buy a thing without purchasing or purchase without buying it? This is a puzzle that most of us have no answer. However, one thing is certain. There has to be a difference between purchase and buy or why would we have two different terms for the same act.

What does Purchase mean?

Purchase is used to refer to a contractual agreement such as purchase of property or a purchase order from a company to a supplier. You do not buy land; you purchase it along with an agreement. This means that you purchase everything, but you do not buy everything.Then there are differences pertaining to usage of these two words. For example, government always places purchase orders, and never buys. Look at the following example.

The government has decided to purchase anti-missile tanks from the US.

Here, you see that instead of using the word buy, the word purchase has been used. It is mainly due to the fact that the subject is the government. When government is used there should be a formality in the sentence. As a result, purchase, the word that is more formal, has been used. The very fact that in letters of complaint as when a product is not working properly or has developed a snag, we use the word purchase and not buy tends to prove that there is a sense of formality in the word purchase which is missing in buy.

What does Buy mean?

When it comes to the word buy, it is also used to mean obtain in exchange for payment. Look at the following examples.

I bought some saris from the sale.

I should buy some meat for dinner.

In both these examples, the word buy is used. However, if you look at the situations given in those examples, you will see that both refer to everyday, normal situations. Thus, the word buy is used in a very informal manner.  There are other amusing uses of these two words. You do not buy into an argument rather than purchase. You congratulate your son on his smart buy and not purchase. In jurisprudence, it is always purchase and not buy that is used.

What is the difference between Purchase and Buy?

• Buy and purchase have same meanings though they are used in different contexts and their usage is also different.

• Purchase is considered more formal than buy and is a word used more in contractual agreements than buying an ice-cream or a mobile from the market.

• You purchase everything, but you do not buy everything.

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