Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[KejciorF]

Hi Everybody,

could you please exlplain the difference between a 'bourse' and a 'stock exchange'?

TIA,

Kate.

[Eric Thompson]

Dear Kate, Off the top of my head, I would say that 'bourse' and 'stock exchange' are the same thing. And that 'bourse' is used in countries that have a Latin-based language...However, my Webster's Dictionary says that 'bourse' is a European stock exchange....Definitely, Americans don't use the word 'bourse' much...Interestingly, 'bourse' is derived from the Latin word for purse. Ok? -- Eric

[KejciorF]

Eric,

I found 'bourse' in a manual for Business English from a British publishing house. So I guess what you're suggesting must be right.

Thanks,

Kate.