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offer

v. · n.
US //ˈɔfɝ// UK //ˈɒfɐ// of·fer
  1. 1 to present something for acceptance (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to ask if someone would like to have something or if they want you to do something.

    to present something to be either accepted or rejected; often used with a direct object or an infinitive clause.

    Example

    The hotel staff offered us a free drink while we waited for our room.

    Example

    The company offered the candidate a generous relocation package to encourage her to accept the position in the overseas branch.
    Pitfall
    He offered to me a drink.
    He offered me a drink.

    When 'offer' has two objects, the person usually comes first without 'to'. Alternatively, say 'He offered a drink to me'.

  2. 2 to volunteer (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to say that you are willing to do something for someone.

    to express a willingness to perform an action or provide a service. Intransitive or followed by a to-infinitive.

    Example

    My neighbour offered to water my plants while I was away on holiday.

    Example

    Several local businesses offered to sponsor the charity event, providing both financial support and volunteer staff for the weekend.
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  1. 3 to provide or make available (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to provide a chance, an opportunity, or a service.

    to provide or make available for use or consideration.

    Example

    The new city park offers many activities for children and families.

    Example

    The revised curriculum offers students the flexibility to specialise in digital media while maintaining a strong foundation in traditional art history.
  2. 4 religious sacrifice (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Religion

    to give something to a god as a sign of respect or worship.

    to present something to a deity as an act of worship, devotion, or sacrifice.

    Example

    The villagers offered fruit and flowers at the temple during the festival.

    Example

    In many ancient cultures, priests would offer the first harvest to the gods to ensure continued prosperity for the community.
  3. 5 to align parts (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Engineering

    to hold a part in place to see if it fits before fixing it.

    to place a component in its intended position to check for fit or alignment before final assembly.

    Example

    You should offer the shelf up to the wall to check the height before drilling.

    Example

    The technician carefully offered the replacement panel up to the fuselage to ensure the bolt holes aligned perfectly with the existing frame.

    Usage

    Often used with the particle 'up' as in 'offer up'.
  4. 6 a proposal or bid (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a suggestion or a price that you are willing to pay for something.

    an expression of readiness to do or give something; specifically, a bid or a proposal in a commercial or personal context.

    Example

    We made an offer on the house, but the owners wanted more money.

    Example

    After weeks of negotiation, the firm submitted a formal offer to acquire its smaller competitor for fifty million dollars.
  5. 7 legal invitation (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Law

    a formal promise to enter a contract if the other person agrees.

    a clear expression of willingness to enter into a binding contract under specific terms, which becomes legally enforceable upon acceptance.

    Example

    The court ruled that the advertisement was not a legal offer but an invitation to treat.

    Example

    A valid offer must be communicated clearly to the offeree and contain sufficiently definite terms to create a binding agreement.
Etymology 1

From Middle English offer, from Old English offrian (“offer or make a sacrifice”) rather than from Old French offre (“offer”), from offrir (“to offer”), from Latin offerō (“to present, bring before”). Compare North Frisian offer (“sacrifice, donation, fee”), Dutch offer (“offering, sacrifice”), German Opfer (“victim, sacrifice”), Danish offer (“victim, sacrifice”), Icelandic offr (“offering”). See verb below.

Etymology 2

From Middle English offren, offrien. In the religious senses inherited from Old English offrian (“to offer, sacrifice, bring an oblation”); otherwise from Old French ofrir. Both ultimately from Latin offerō (“to present, bestow, bring before”, literally “to bring to”), from Latin ob + ferō (“bring, carry”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰer- (“to carry, bear”), later reinforced by Old French offrir (“to offer”). Cognate with Old Frisian offria (“to offer”), Old Dutch offrōn (“to offer”), German opfern (“to offer”), Old Norse offra (“to offer”). More at ob-, bear.

Etymology 3

From off + -er.

Idioms4 entries

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