Sell Meaning
Sell Definition & Usage
To exchange something for money or goods; to make a transaction.
Examples
- "She decided to sell her old car for a reasonable price."
- "The artist sold several paintings at the exhibition."
- "They plan to sell their house and move to the countryside."
- "He sold the tickets to the concert within an hour."
- "The company is looking to sell its latest product worldwide."
To promote or convince others of the value or worth of something, often in a persuasive or exaggerated way.
Examples
- "She knows how to sell her ideas to clients."
- "The salesman tried to sell the benefits of the new phone."
- "His pitch was so convincing that it almost sold me on the idea."
- "The product's advertising campaign was designed to sell a lifestyle, not just a product."
- "Politicians often sell promises to voters during election seasons."
To betray, deceive, or give up something for personal gain, often at the expense of others.
Examples
- "He sold out his friends for a chance at fame."
- "The employee was accused of selling company secrets to competitors."
- "She sold her soul for money and power."
- "The politician was accused of selling out to corporate donors."
- "They sold their loyalty to the highest bidder."
To make a play or move that results in a score or point, often in an exaggerated or theatrical way.
Examples
- "He sold that fake to the defender and scored a fantastic goal."
- "The basketball player sold the move and drove to the basket for a dunk."
- "She sold the penalty with an amazing dive that convinced the referee."
- "The wide receiver sold the route perfectly, making the touchdown pass look easy."
- "The footballer sold the dummy and left the goalkeeper stranded."
Cultural Context
The word 'sell' has its origins in Old English 'sellan' (meaning to give or trade), which has evolved into a wide range of uses, from commerce to figurative meanings of persuasion and betrayal. It is a key term in business, marketing, and sports, and is frequently used in everyday language to describe both physical and abstract transactions.
The Art of Selling
Story
The Art of Selling
In the bustling city of Carrington, there lived a young woman named Clara who had just opened her own boutique. She had inherited a small store from her grandmother, but it had fallen into disrepair over the years. Clara, eager to turn the store into a success, knew she needed to sell more than just products—she needed to sell herself. Every morning, she would stand in front of the store window, rehearsing her pitch for the day. 'You don't just sell clothes, you sell confidence, you sell a story,' she'd remind herself. Clara's first customer of the day was Mrs. Jenkins, an elderly woman who came in every Wednesday. 'I don't know what you're doing differently, Clara, but I must admit, your new line really sells itself. It's like you're selling a dream!' Mrs. Jenkins exclaimed, touching a silk scarf with a smile. Clara grinned. 'It's not just the scarves, Mrs. Jenkins, it's how you wear them.' She had learned that to sell something, you needed to help the customer see it as a part of their own identity. But as the weeks went by, Clara found herself struggling with a different kind of selling. One evening, her best friend, Jenny, called her, sounding distraught. 'Clara, I need your help. I... I think I'm selling out,' she said. Clara was shocked. 'What do you mean?' she asked. Jenny explained that her job in marketing was starting to feel more like a series of empty promises, selling products that she knew were harmful, just for the paycheck. Clara sighed. 'I get it, Jenny. It's tough to stay true to your values when the world is so focused on profit. But remember, there's always a way to sell what you believe in.' Jenny wasn't convinced, but Clara's words lingered in her mind. The next day, Clara received a call from a potential investor offering to buy her boutique at a price that would allow her to retire comfortably. 'Think about it,' the investor said, 'you could sell your business, cash out, and start something new.' Clara hung up the phone, her heart racing. She realized that selling wasn't always about making money—it was about making choices, about what was worth holding on to and what was worth letting go. As the sun set over Carrington, Clara looked out at her boutique, her decision made. 'You can't just sell things,' she thought. 'You have to know what you're really selling.'
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