# offer

Pronunciation: US say "AW-fur" /ˈɔfɚ/; UK say "O-fuh" /ˈɒfə(ɹ)/

## Verb

1. To present something to view, or to provide it for use or consideration.
   - Simple: To show something or provide it for people to use or think about.
   - _The new wing offered patients far more natural light._
   - _Wide windows offer travelers a clear view of the passing coast._
2. To hold out something to a particular person so that they can choose to take it or refuse it.
   - Simple: To hold something out to someone so they can take it or refuse it.
   - _The manager offered the new recruits a flexible schedule._
   - _Charities often offer struggling families short-term loans._
4. To volunteer or declare one's willingness to do something.
   - Simple: To say that you are willing to do something.
   - _A neighbor offered to walk the dog while they were away._
   - _Volunteers regularly offer to drive elderly residents to appointments._
5. To present something for sale.
   - Simple: To put something up so that people can buy it.
   - _The gallery offered the painting to private collectors first._
   - _Several farms offer seasonal produce at the weekend market._
6. To present something in words; to proffer, suggest, or propose.
   - Simple: To say or write something, like an idea, a suggestion, or an apology, for others to think about.
   - _She offered a few ideas for the new company logo._
   - _Reviewers offer detailed feedback on each submitted manuscript._
8. To put forward a sum one is willing to pay, such as a price, reward, or wage.
   - Simple: To say what price or pay you will give for something.
   - _The collector offered a substantial sum for the rare manuscript._
   - _Rival firms offer higher salaries to lure experienced engineers._
9. To give something to a deity as an act of worship or a sacrifice.
   - Simple: To give something to a god as a gift or in worship.
   - _The family offered the first fruits of the harvest at the temple._
   - _Pilgrims offer small coins and prayers before the sacred image._
11. To happen or present itself.
   - Simple: To come up, happen, or become available.
12. To put forward in opposition; to manifest force in an offensive or defensive way, or to threaten.
   - Simple: To put up something like force or a threat against someone.
   - _The garrison offered stubborn resistance throughout the long siege._
   - _Local officials warned that the crowd might offer resistance if the police tried to clear the square._

## Noun

3. Something a person proposes to give, do, or pay, put forward for someone else to accept or reject.
   - Simple: Something you say you will give, do, or pay, which another person can accept or refuse.
   - _His generous offer to cover the costs was accepted at once._
   - _The committee considered every offer before reaching a decision._
7. A discount or special deal on goods or services, typically one that lasts only a short while.
   - Simple: A lower price or special deal on things you buy, usually just for a short time.
   - _The introductory offer gives new subscribers three months of streaming at half price._
   - _Several airlines are running limited-time offers on flights to Europe this winter._
10. An invitation to enter a binding contract, with terms definite enough to create an enforceable agreement once the other party accepts.
   - Simple: A clear deal someone puts forward that becomes binding once the other person agrees.
   - _The supplier's written offer remained open for thirty days._
   - _A clear acceptance of the offer completed the contract between the two firms._

## Verb

13. To attempt something, usually with at before what is attempted. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To try to do something, usually used with 'at'.

## Other meanings

- (verb) To bring a part into position so that it can be fitted to an existing mechanical assembly.

## Origin

**Meanings 3, 7, 10** — This noun comes from Middle English 'offer', formed from the verb, which goes back to Old English 'offrian' ("to offer or make a sacrifice"). Old French 'offre' comes from the same Latin source, 'offerō' ("to present, bring before"). It is related to Dutch 'offer' ("offering, sacrifice") and German 'Opfer' ("victim, sacrifice").
**Meanings 1–2, 4–6, 8–9, 11–13** — This verb comes from Middle English 'offren'. In its religious senses it was inherited from Old English 'offrian' ("to offer, sacrifice"); otherwise it comes from Old French 'ofrir'. Both ultimately derive from Latin 'offerō' (literally "to bring to"), from 'ob' + 'ferō' ("to carry, bear"), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰer- ("to carry, bear"). It is cognate with German 'opfern' and Old Norse 'offra'.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/offer (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).