Final Answer:
Definition of advertising is A. paid forms of nonpersonal communication about a good, service, or company.
Step-by-step explanation:
Advertising, as defined by option A, entails the strategic dissemination of information through various channels for which payment is made. This definition encapsulates the essence of promotional efforts that involve financial transactions to convey messages about goods, services, or a company itself.
The term "paid forms" emphasizes the economic aspect, highlighting the investment made by businesses to reach their target audience. This financial commitment sets advertising apart from other forms of communication, emphasizing its commercial nature.
Moreover, the phrase "nonpersonal communication" underlines the one-to-many nature of advertising, where messages are crafted for a wide audience rather than tailored for individual interactions. It encompasses mediums like TV commercials, billboards, sponsored online content, and more, aiming to influence consumer behavior and perceptions.
Additionally, the specific mention of "about a good, service, or company" emphasizes the scope of advertising, which is to promote offerings or brand identities. It excludes personal communication or communication solely focused on moving products through distribution channels.
This distinction helps clarify that advertising's primary goal is to inform, persuade, and influence consumer behavior by creating awareness or desire for products or services. Hence, therefore option a) is correct.