enterprise
UK[ˈen.tə.praɪz]US[ˈen.tɚ.praɪz]
n
A project or undertaking, especially a bold or complex one.
n
A business or company.
n
Initiative and resourcefulness.
Morpheme Breakdown
enter
prise
enter
between, among
prise
to take, to seize
Etymology
The word enterprise entered English in the late 15th century from Old French 'entreprise', a noun derived from the feminine past participle of 'entreprendre', meaning 'to undertake'. The literal components are 'entre-' (between, among) and 'prendre' (to take), combining to convey the sense of "taking in hand" or "undertaking" a task that lies before one. This notion of seizing an opportunity that exists among possibilities evolved from the Latin roots 'inter' and 'prehendere'. Over time, the meaning specialized to denote a bold, ambitious, or complex undertaking, and later, specifically a business venture, emphasizing the qualities of initiative and readiness to engage in difficult projects.
Analysis
Structure: enter (between, among) + prise (to take, to seize)
'enter' originates from Old French 'entre-', meaning 'between, among', derived from Latin 'inter'. 'prise' originates from Old French 'prise', meaning 'a taking, capture', from the past participle of 'prendre' (to take), derived from Latin 'prehendere' (to seize, grasp).
Examples
Starting her own catering business was a risky enterprise.
The government is supporting private enterprise in the technology sector.
He succeeded thanks to his spirit of enterprise and determination.