bid
noun (countable)
UK/bɪd/US/bɪd/
An offer to pay a certain amount of money for something, especially at an auction; or an attempt to achieve or win something, such as a contract or a position.
Example Sentences
Her bid for the antique vase was the highest at the auction.
They submitted a competitive bid for the construction project, hoping to secure the contract.
He decided to make one final bid before the auctioneer closed the sale.
Several companies put in a formal bid for the new software development contract.
In a bold political move, the candidate announced his bid for the presidency early in the election season.
The sports club’s bid to host the championship drew international attention, making it a prime contender among the selection committee.
After months of planning, their official bid to expand operations included proposals for new offices, increased staff, and innovative marketing strategies to reach untapped markets worldwide.
Her surprise bid to buy out the smaller competitor not only improved her company's market share but also repositioned them as a leading innovator within the tech industry.
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Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/bɪd/US/bɪd/
To offer a particular amount of money for something, especially at an auction or tender; to attempt or try to achieve something; in older usage, to give a greeting or command (e.g., 'bid farewell').
Example Sentences
He plans to bid ten dollars for the vintage record at the auction tonight.
The contractor hopes to bid successfully on the refurbishment contract for the historic building.
In older texts, someone might bid another person good day or farewell in a formal gesture of courtesy.
You must register in advance if you want to bid during the online silent auction.
Several teams will bid aggressively to sign the star athlete when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The developer decided not to bid on that project after analyzing its financial risks.
In an attempt to expand her influence, she decided to bid for a seat on the city council, presenting strong policy proposals about urban revitalization and affordable housing to gain voter support.
We watched dozens of participants bid on items from antique furniture to rare memorabilia, their excitement mounting with each incremental offer as the clock ticked down.
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How to Use
Propose a value or make an offer, especially in auctions or contests.The word “bid” typically refers to presenting an offer or proposal in a competitive setting—most commonly, auctions for items or contracts, but also in broader contexts like elections or job applications. For example, in an auction, people bid higher amounts to outcompete others vying for the same item. In business, companies submit bids for projects or government contracts, detailing pricing and deliverables to persuade the client or authority to choose them.In daily usage, you might come across “bid” when someone says, “I’ll bid on that antique clock,” signifying their intention to pay a certain amount. In corporate or governmental contexts, phrases like “We’re preparing a bid for the next infrastructure project” come up frequently. Additionally, in political or sports arenas, “bid” can indicate a campaign or effort to achieve a goal, such as “She’s making a bid for city council” or “The team’s championship bid ended in the semifinals.”Form-wise, “bid” often stays the same in past and past participle tenses (“They bid on it yesterday”; “They have bid on multiple properties”). The present participle “bidding” covers ongoing actions like “They are bidding aggressively.” Pay attention to context to distinguish whether “bid” refers to a monetary offer, an attempt, or a campaign. Knowing this nuance ensures clear communication—especially in formal documents or negotiations where precision is crucial.
Alternatives
“Propose,” “offer,” and “tender” can sometimes stand in for “bid,” though each carries its own nuance. “Propose” and “offer” can be broader, encompassing situations beyond auctions or competitions: you can propose an idea or offer assistance. “Tender” is often used in more formal contexts, particularly in business and government contracting, indicating a formal process for submitting proposals. If the context leans toward casual conversation—like discussing an online marketplace—“place an offer” or “make an offer” might be more user-friendly. In sporting or political contexts, “attempt,” “endeavor,” or “campaign” may capture the sense of striving toward a win. These alternatives allow you to fine-tune formality, specify context, or avoid repetition when discussing efforts, proposals, or auctions.
Writing
When writing about “bid,” be explicit about its context. If you’re covering auctions, detail the rules, such as how to raise a bid or place a maximum bid online. If you’re discussing business proposals, mention key components like project scope, cost breakdowns, or compliance with requirements. Providing real-life examples—like referencing a notable auction or citing typical bidding procedures for public works—can ground your piece in practical reality.In persuasive or analytical writing, outline the rationale behind a particular bid, focusing on budget considerations, competitive analysis, or unique selling points. For instance, in a business plan or academic paper, you might address why a certain company won a contract based on the comprehensiveness of their bid or the cost-effectiveness of their proposal.Whether you’re writing a short blog post, a formal proposal, or a news article, keep the audience in mind. A specialized audience—say, procurement officers—needs more detailed jargon (e.g., “request for proposal,” “sealed bid,” “bid bond”). A general audience might benefit from simplified language and examples to illustrate the concept, such as explaining how bidding works at a charity auction. By tailoring your approach, your piece will be both informative and engaging, regardless of readership.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “bid” often appears in the context of lighthearted auctions—like yard sales, online marketplaces, or friendly raffles. You might say, “I placed a small bid on that vintage record player” or “I’m thinking of bidding on those concert tickets.” Such usage emphasizes a casual interest rather than a formal business negotiation.Outside of auctions, you might hear “bid” in sports or politics. For instance, someone could mention, “The team’s bid for the championship looks strong this year,” or “He’s launching his bid for the presidency.” These statements casually describe attempts or efforts rather than official processes.When chatting informally, people tend not to delve into the deeper mechanics of bidding, focusing instead on the social aspect—sharing excitement about winning a rare collectible, discussing the thrill of outbidding someone at the last second online, or lamenting a missed chance to bid on a limited-edition item. Keeping your tone light, enthusiastic, or empathetic (depending on the outcome) helps convey the social dimension of bidding in day-to-day life.
Etymology
“Bid” has roots in Old English “bēodan,” which initially meant “to command” or “to offer.” Over time, these dual senses of commanding and offering branched into modern usage. In certain archaic or poetic expressions, you may still encounter forms like “bade” (the past tense) or “bidden” (past participle), particularly referring to an order or request (“He bade them enter,” “They were bidden to attend”).By the late Middle Ages and into the modern era, “bid” also evolved to mean presenting a price or proposal, particularly in trade or auctions. This commercial sense gained prominence alongside the expansion of marketplaces, where rival buyers actively competed. From these roots, “bid” extended into broader contexts, including political or athletic endeavors, reflecting an underlying notion of striving to achieve or obtain something.Although “bid” can still appear in older literature with the sense of commanding, the everyday usage now leans heavily toward financial and competitive offers. This shift mirrors cultural and economic changes, as commerce, contracts, and organized competitions became a major part of society. Yet the word’s history preserves the combined essence of an assertive command and a deliberate offer, illustrating how language evolves to reflect societal dynamics.
