What is bid? Pronunciation and usage in English

bid means . Learn how to pronounce and use bid through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of bid

bidverb

/bɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of bid

The word "bid" is pronounced like "beed".

Here's a breakdown:

  • "bi" - sounds like the word "bee"
  • "d" - a short, sharp "d" sound, like in "dog"

You can hear it pronounced here: https://www.merriam-webster.com/audio/pronunciation/bid

Do you want to hear it spelled out phonetically?

Usage and examples with the word bid in English

Let's break down how to use the word "bid" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (To Make an Offer)

  • Meaning: To make a formal offer of money or something else in response to a request for it, typically in a competitive situation.
  • Examples:
    • "I bid $50 for the painting." (Offering money)
    • "The company bid on the government contract." (Offering services or an agreement)
    • "She bid him farewell before leaving." (Offering a greeting or wish)
    • "He bid for the opportunity to work on the project." (Seeking an advantage)

2. As a Noun (An Offer)

  • Meaning: The offer itself – the amount or proposal made.
  • Examples:
    • "His bid was the highest." (Referring to the amount he offered)
    • "We received several bids for the job." (Referring to the multiple offerings)
    • "The auctioneer announced the current bid." (Referring to the highest offer made so far)

3. Specific Contexts & More Nuanced Meanings

  • Auctions: "The auctioneer called for a bid." (A request for an offer) – This is a very common usage.
  • Gambling (Horse Racing, etc.): “He placed a bid on the gray horse.” (A wager) – Here, "bid" specifically means a wager.
  • Tenders (Formal Requests for Proposals): “The company submitted a bid for the construction project.” – This often refers to a business or government organization requesting proposals.
  • Expressions of Interest: "He bid for her attention." (a subtle way of saying he tried to get her attention). - This usage is less common but exists.

4. Phrases with "Bid"

  • Bid farewell: To say goodbye. (“I bid you goodnight.”)
  • Raise the bid: To increase the amount offered.
  • Win a bid: To be the successful bidder.
  • A low bid: An offer that is lower than expected.
  • Competitive bidding: A situation where multiple parties are competing to offer the highest price.

Key Differences to Remember:

  • Verb vs. Noun: This is the most important distinction. "Bid" as a verb is an action (making an offer). "Bid" as a noun is the offer itself.

Resources for More Information:


To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "bid" in? (e.g., "I want to use it in a sentence about an auction," or "I'm trying to understand how it’s used in business proposals.")

Practice with vocabulary bid

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company decided to ______ for the construction project, hoping to secure the contract.
  2. She made a sincere ______ to improve her relationship with her colleagues.
  3. The team worked hard to ______ their time effectively before the deadline.
  4. He was determined to ______ a higher price for his antique collection at the auction.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What term describes an offer to buy something, especially at an auction?
    a) bid
    b) offer
    c) request
    d) proposal

  2. Which word can mean both an attempt to achieve something and an offer to pay a certain price?
    a) effort
    b) bid
    c) try
    d) purchase

  3. In a competitive market, companies often ______ for contracts to win business.
    a) apply
    b) bid
    c) compete
    d) negotiate

  4. What is a synonym for "propose" in a formal setting?
    a) suggest
    b) bid
    c) demand
    d) insist

  5. Which term refers to a formal offer to do work or provide goods at a specific price?
    a) quotation
    b) estimate
    c) bid
    d) invoice


Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She tried hard to win the competition.
    Rewrite: She made a strong bid to win the competition.

  2. Original: The company submitted an offer for the new project.
    Rewrite: The company placed a bid for the new project.

  3. Original: He attempted to convince the team to adopt his idea.
    Rewrite: He made an effort to persuade the team to adopt his idea.


Answer

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. bid
  2. bid
  3. manage
  4. fetch

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) bid
  2. b) bid
  3. b) bid
  4. a) suggest
  5. c) bid

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She made a strong bid to win the competition.
  2. The company placed a bid for the new project.
  3. He made an effort to persuade the team to adopt his idea.

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