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

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with OFFER

coffer, goffer, scoffer