What does bid mean Meaning and Definition
What does bid mean
Pronunciation
/bɪd/
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Definition
A bid is an offer or proposal to buy or sell something, typically at a specific price, or an attempt to win a contract or project.
Examples
- The company placed a bid on the government contract.
- She made a bid on the auction item, hoping to win.
Synonyms
- Offer
- Tender
Antonyms
- Refuse
- Decline
Additional Information
Bids can be made in various contexts, such as business, auctions, or projects. In business, a bid is often used to secure a contract or project, while in auctions, it is used to acquire an item at a desired price. Bidding can be done in-person, online, or through a third-party agent.
In addition to its literal meaning, “bid” can also be used figuratively to describe an attempt or effort to achieve something. For example, “She made a bid for attention by wearing a bright outfit.”
Etymology
The word “bid” originates from Old English “biddan”, meaning “to ask” or “to pray”. It has evolved over time to encompass a broader range of meanings, including the concept of making an offer or proposal.
Usage Notes
When using “bid” in a sentence, be clear about the context and the type of bid being made. In business, ensure that the bid is specific and includes all necessary details, such as price, timeline, and scope of work.
Cultural References
Bidding is a common theme in literature, art, and film. Think of the famous auction scene in “Gone with the Wind” or the bidding wars in “The Great Gatsby”. Bidding is also a popular trope in reality TV shows, such as “Storage Wars” or “Pawn Stars”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Bid farewell: to say goodbye to someone or something
- Bid adieu: to bid farewell, especially in a formal or ceremonial manner
Related Words or Phrases
- Tender
- Proposal
- Quotation
Collocations
- Bid price
- Bid process
- Bid document
Frequency of Use
The word “bid” is commonly used in business, finance, and commerce, as well as in everyday conversations. It is estimated to be used around 1.5 million times per day in online searches alone.
Common Misspellings
- Bidde
- Bied
- Bdy