offer

¹of·fer

verb \ˈȯ-fər, ˈä-\

of·feredof·fer·ing \-f(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of OFFER

transitive verb

1

a : to present as an act of worship or devotion : sacrifice

b : to utter (as a prayer) in devotion

2

a : to present for acceptance or rejection : tender <was offered a job>

b : to present in order to satisfy a requirement <candidates for degrees may offer French as one of their foreign languages>

3

a : propose, suggest <offer a solution to a problem>

b : to declare one's readiness or willingness <offered to help me>

4

a : to try or begin to exert : put up <offered stubborn resistance>

b : threaten <offered to strike him with his cane>

5

: to make available : afford; especially : to place (merchandise) on sale

6

: to present in performance or exhibition

7

: to propose as payment : bid

intransitive verb

1

: to present something as an act of worship or devotion : sacrifice

2

archaic : to make an attempt

3

: to present itself

4

: to make a proposal (as of marriage)

Examples of OFFER

1. I was offered a position at a bank, but I turned it down.
2. The victims were offered money as compensation for their injuries.
3. If I may, I'd like to offer you a bit of advice.
4. One of his neighbors offered to mow his lawn.
5. A woman stopped and offered to help us.
6. We don't need any help, but thank you for offering.
7. They offer their customers a choice between soup or salad.
8. Living in a large city offers a number of advantages.
9. I'd like to offer a couple of comments on the points you've raised.
10. I really don't know enough about it to offer an opinion.

Origin of OFFER

Middle English offren, in sense 1, from Old English offrian, from Late Latin offerre, from Latin, to present, tender, from ob- toward + ferre to carry; in other senses, from Anglo-French offrir, from Latin offerre — more at bear

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to OFFER

Synonyms

extend, give, proffer, tender, trot out, run by (or run past)

Related Words

pose, propose; hold out; give in, submit; volunteer

Near Antonyms

accept, receive, take; accredit, approbate, approve, authorize, clear, confirm, finalize, formalize, homologate, OK (or okay), ratify, sanction, warrant; decline, deny, disallow, disapprove, negative, reject, turn down, veto; rebuff, rebut, refuse, spurn; retract, withdraw; disregard, ignore, neglect, overlook

Rhymes with OFFER

coffer, goffer, scoffer

²offer

noun

Definition of OFFER

1

a : a presenting of something for acceptance <considering job offers from several firms> <an offer of marriage>

b : an undertaking to do an act or give something on condition that the party to whom the proposal is made do some specified act or make a return promise

2

obsolete : offering

3

: a price named by one proposing to buy : bid

4

a : attempt, try

b : an action or movement indicating a purpose or intention

— on offer

chiefly British : being offered especially for sale

Examples of OFFER

1. After considering several job offers, she accepted a position with a local bank.
2. He turned down an offer to run the company.
3. We decided to hold out for a better offer.
4. “How much do you want for the bike?” “I don't know. Make me an offer.”
5. This special offer is good only while supplies last.

First Known Use of OFFER

15th century

Related to OFFER

Synonyms

assay [archaic], bash [chiefly British], bid, crack, endeavor, essay, fling, go, attempt, pass, shot, stab, trial, try, whack, whirl

Related Words

striving, struggle, throes, undertaking; trial and error

Rhymes with OFFER

coffer, goffer, proffer, quaffer, scoffer, troffer