The spelling of "running costs" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as "ˈrʌnɪŋ ˈkɒsts". The first word "running" is spelled with the short "u" sound as in "cup" (represented as "ʌ") and the letter "i" is pronounced as the "ih" sound (represented as "ɪ"). The "ng" at the end of "running" is pronounced as a single sound (represented as "ŋ"). The second word "costs" is spelled with the short "o" sound as in "lot" (represented as "ɒ") and the letter "s" is pronounced with an "s" sound (represented as "s").
Running costs refer to the ongoing expenses associated with operating or maintaining a particular entity, such as a business, vehicle, or property. It encompasses the day-to-day expenditures that are necessary to keep the entity in working condition and enable its continued functioning.
In terms of businesses, running costs typically include various overhead expenses, such as rent, utilities, insurance premiums, office supplies, wages, and marketing costs. These expenses contribute to the daily operations and are necessary for the business to run smoothly and generate revenue. Running costs are distinct from capital expenditures, which involve significant investments in long-term assets or infrastructure.
For vehicles, running costs encompass expenses that are incurred in the regular operation and maintenance of the vehicle. This includes fuel, maintenance and repairs, insurance, registration and licensing fees, as well as any other costs associated with ensuring the vehicle is in proper working order and compliant with legal requirements.
Similarly, for properties, running costs consist of the ongoing expenses necessary for the property's maintenance and management. This may include property taxes, insurance premiums, repairs and maintenance, utility bills, cleaning services, and any other costs associated with its regular operation.
Overall, running costs represent the continuous outflows of funds required to sustain the functioning and upkeep of an entity, whether it is a business, vehicle, or property.
The etymology of the term "running costs" can be traced back to the origins of the individual words within the phrase.
The word "running" in this context comes from the verb "to run", which has Old English and Germanic roots. The term originally referred to the act of moving swiftly or smoothly, but over time it acquired various figurative meanings, one of which pertains to the continuous operation or functioning of something.
The word "costs" has its roots in Latin. It stems from the Latin noun "costus" which means "expense" or "expenditure". The term was later borrowed into Old French and Middle English, evolving into the modern English word "costs".
When combined, the phrase "running costs" refers to the expenses or expenditures associated with the continuous operation or functioning of something, such as a business, vehicle, or machinery.