ˈɔfə v. & n. --v. 1 tr. present
for acceptance or
refusal or
consideration (offered me a
drink;
was offered a
lift; offer one's services; offer no apology). 2 intr. (foll. by to + infin.) express readiness or
show intention (offered to
take the children). 3 tr.
provide;
give an
opportunity for. 4 tr.
make available for
sale. 5 tr. (of a thing) present to one's
attention or consideration (each
day offers
new opportunities). 6 tr. present (a
sacrifice, prayer, etc.) to a
deity. 7 intr. present
itself;
occur (as opportunity offers). 8 tr. give an opportunity for (battle) to an
enemy. 9 tr.
attempt, or
try to show (violence,
resistance, etc.). --n. 1 an
expression of readiness to do or give if desired, or to
buy or
sell (for a
certain amount). 2 an
amount offered. 3 a
proposal (esp. of marriage). 4 a
bid. øon offer for sale at a certain (esp. reduced)
price. øøofferer n. offeror n. [OE offrian in
religious sense, f. L offerre (as
OB-, ferre bring)]
