The word "kantar" is a unit of weight that is used in the Middle East and North Africa. The spelling of this word can be a bit confusing, as it is sometimes spelled with a "q" instead of a "k". However, the correct spelling is "kantar", with an initial "k" sound. This is represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈkæntər/. The word is derived from the Arabic word "qantara", meaning "bridge", and is used to refer to a weight that equals 100 pounds.
Kantar is a noun with multiple meanings and associations. Firstly, it refers to a unit of measurement typically used in Arabic-speaking countries. In this context, a kantar is equivalent to 100 kilograms or 220 pounds. It is primarily used to quantify weight in agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, or grains.
Additionally, Kantar is the name of a prominent market research company, operating globally. It provides actionable insights and data to numerous industries, including media, retail, technology, and healthcare. Founded in 1993 as a joint venture between WPP plc and TNS, Kantar has grown to become one of the largest research and consulting organizations worldwide. By conducting market research, consumer surveys, and data analytics, Kantar assists companies in making informed decisions, developing marketing strategies, and gauging consumer perceptions. The company is known for leveraging advanced methodologies and innovative technologies to gather and analyze data, offering its clients valuable insights into market trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscapes.
Furthermore, Kantar can also refer to a surname of Turkish, Armenian, or Lebanese origin. Originating in the Middle East, it is particularly prevalent among individuals from these cultural backgrounds. As a surname, Kantar typically denotes ancestry or family lineage.
The word "kantar" has multiple origins and meanings depending on the context. Here are some of the main etymological origins of the word:
1. Arabic: In Arabic, "kantar" (قنطار) is a unit of weight that is equivalent to 100 kilograms. The word has been borrowed into several other languages, including Turkish, Greek, and others.
2. Latin and Greek: Another possible etymology is from the Latin/Greek word "quintārius" (meaning a fifth or a quarter), which evolved into Old French as "cantier" and later into English as "candar" or "cantar". This term originally referred to a quarter of a hundredweight (25 pounds) and was commonly used in trade.
It's important to note that "kantar" can have different meanings in various languages and contexts, so the etymology may vary depending on the specific usage.