bid

¹bid

verb \ˈbid\

bade\ˈbad, ˈbād\ or bidbid·den\ˈbi-d^ən\ or bid also badebid·ding

Definition of BID

transitive verb

1

a obsolete : beseech, entreat b : to issue an order to : tell <did as I was bid> c : to request to come : invite

2

: to give expression to <bade a tearful farewell>

3

a : offer —usually used in the phrase to bid defiance b past and past part bid (1) : to offer (a price) whether for payment or acceptance (2) : to make a bid of or in (a suit at cards)

intransitive verb

: to make a bid

— bid·der noun

— bid fair

: to seem likely <a movie that bids fair to become a big hit>

Examples of BID

1. I'll bid $100 for the lamp but no higher.
2. He plans to stop bidding if the bids go over $500.
3. She bid for a desk and a chair.
4. Several local companies are bidding for the same job.
5. His company bid on the snow removal contract.
6. He bid and I passed.
7. We did as we were bid .

Origin of BID

partly from Middle English bidden, from Old English biddan; akin to Old High German bitten to entreat, and perhaps to Sanskrit bādhate he presses; partly from Middle English beden to offer, command, from Old English bēodan; akin to Old High German biotan to offer, Greek pynthanesthai to examine, Sanskrit bodhi enlightenment

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to BID

Synonyms: adjure, command, boss (around), charge, direct, enjoin, instruct, order, tell

Antonyms: mind, obey

Related Words: ask, petition, request; beg, beseech, entreat; advise, counsel, warn; appoint, assign, authorize, commission; oversee, superintend, supervise; conduct, control, lead, manage; coerce, compel, constrain, force, oblige, require

Near Antonyms: comply (with), follow, keep, observe

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at command