package
Definitions
A wrapped or boxed parcel, especially one sent by mail.
包裹
A set of related things or services offered together as a unit.
一整套；套餐；套装
To put something into a wrapper or container for sale or sending.
包装；打包
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedpack (bundle) + -age (noun: thing/collection) = 'a bundled-up thing.' Literally a parcel — items packed together and wrapped. The meaning then widened from a physical parcel to any set of things grouped and offered as one: a software package, a travel package, a benefits package.
Root pack still carries 11 more wordsWhy It Means This
package starts as a literal parcel but its most useful modern sense is figurative: a bundle of things sold or offered together as one deal. A salary 'package' isn't just pay — it's salary plus bonus plus benefits, wrapped into one offer. A holiday 'package' bundles flights, hotel, and meals. The metaphor is the same box: separate items boxed into a single unit you take or leave as a whole.
Common Collocations
- 1.software package软件包
- 2.package deal一揽子交易
- 3.travel package旅游套餐
- 4.salary package薪酬待遇
- 5.open the package打开包裹
Example Sentences
- 1.
A package arrived this morning, but no one was home to sign for it.
- 2.
The company offered her a generous salary package.
- 3.
The factory packages the cookies in batches of twelve.
Easily Confused
package vs parcel — both mean a wrapped item sent by post, but package is the broader, more common word (especially in American English) and also means a bundle of services (a package deal). parcel is more British and almost always means the physical postal item. A salary 'package' is fine; a salary 'parcel' is not.