Bid Meaning
Bid Definition & Usage
To offer a specified amount of money for something, especially in the context of an auction or competitive situation.
Examples
- "She bid $500 for the painting at the charity auction."
- "They decided to bid on the house, even though they weren’t sure they could afford it."
- "I will bid for the last remaining ticket to the concert."
- "At the silent auction, bidders placed their offers discreetly on the forms."
- "He bid higher than anyone else, hoping to secure the antique vase."
To offer a greeting, or to express an invitation or desire for something.
Examples
- "I bid you farewell as you begin your journey."
- "She bid him a warm welcome when he arrived at the party."
- "They bid their friends goodbye before heading off on their vacation."
- "He bid the team good luck before the match."
- "I bid you goodnight, and may your dreams be sweet."
An offer of a certain amount of money in a competitive situation, especially an auction.
Examples
- "His bid of $300 was the highest, and he won the antique clock."
- "She placed a bid on the rare book but was outbid by another collector."
- "After several rounds of bidding, the final bid was $1,200."
- "The auctioneer announced the final bid and closed the sale."
- "They were surprised by the low bid on the vintage car."
Cultural Context
The term 'bid' has roots in Middle English and has evolved over time to be used in both formal and informal contexts. In addition to auctions, it can be found in business negotiations, competitive situations, and even in social exchanges like greetings.
The High Bid
Story
The High Bid
Lena had always dreamed of owning an original painting by the famous local artist, Jeremy Harper. When she saw the invitation to the charity auction, she knew this was her chance. The evening of the event, she arrived at the elegantly decorated ballroom, filled with the hum of anticipation. The auctioneer stepped up to the podium, and the first lot was presented: a stunning abstract piece by Harper himself. The crowd murmured with excitement, and Lena felt her pulse quicken. She had prepared herself, knowing she would have to bid high to secure it. As the bidding began, she raised her paddle at the auctioneer’s call. '500,' the auctioneer announced. Another bidder immediately offered a higher price. Lena took a deep breath, and her hand shot up again. '600,' she declared confidently. Round after round, the bids soared. With every new offer, Lena’s heart raced faster. She couldn’t afford to let it slip away. Finally, as the auctioneer called for the last bid, Lena raised her hand one final time. '1500,' she said, almost breathlessly. The room fell silent. The auctioneer paused, scanning the crowd for any other bids. Then, with a smile, he called out, 'Sold! To the lady in the front row for $1500!' Lena’s heart leapt in triumph. She had placed the highest bid and won the artwork. As the crowd applauded, she whispered to herself, 'I bid high, but it was worth every penny.' Later that evening, as she was leaving, she saw Jeremy Harper himself near the exit. She took a deep breath and walked over. 'Mr. Harper, I bid on your painting tonight. It was an honor to win.' 'Well, congratulations!' he said, shaking her hand warmly. 'It’s always great to see someone appreciate my work.' With a final farewell, Lena bid him goodnight and left, clutching the painting that would forever remind her of the high stakes of the auction and the thrill of victory.
Related Words
