Sale Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sale

[seษชl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

during shopping

The exchange of a commodity for money; the action of selling something.

Synonyms

deal, trade, transaction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sale

Used when referring to selling goods or services at a lower price than usual, often temporarily.

  • Thereโ€™s a huge sale on electronics this weekend
  • The store is having a summer sale with up to 50% off
transaction

Refers to any instance of buying or selling something, focusing on the action of transferring money.

  • The transaction took less than a minute
  • Please wait while we process your transaction
deal

Commonly used when two or more parties agree on a business arrangement or when referring to obtaining something at a lower price than usual.

  • We closed the deal yesterday
  • I got a great deal on a new phone
trade

Typically used when exchanging goods or services between parties, often without using money directly.

  • They traded old comics for rare action figures
  • We can trade your old bike for my skateboard

Examples of usage

  • There was a huge sale on Black Friday.
  • The store is having a clearance sale.
Context #2 | Noun

in business

The transfer of ownership of property or a business from one person to another in return for payment.

Synonyms

deal, transaction, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sale

Use 'sale' when referring to the act of selling something, especially in retail or promotional contexts. It often implies a reduction in price.

  • 'The store is having a big winter sale
  • ' 'I bought this dress on sale
  • '
transaction

Use 'transaction' when referring to the process of buying or selling something, often in a business or financial context. It suggests a formal or recorded exchange.

  • 'Please confirm this banking transaction
  • ' 'Every purchase you make is recorded as a transaction
  • '
deal

Use 'deal' when referring to an agreement or arrangement, often in business circumstances. It can imply negotiations and mutual benefits.

  • 'We just closed a big deal with the new client
  • ' 'They made a deal to share the profits
  • '
transfer

Use 'transfer' when referring to the act of moving something from one place or person to another. This can be either physical items or non-physical entities like money or rights.

  • 'The money transfer should be completed by tomorrow
  • ' 'He arranged a transfer of property ownership
  • '

Examples of usage

  • The company announced the sale of its shares.
  • The sale of the property was finalized last week.
Context #3 | Noun

in statistics

A quantity or amount sold.

Synonyms

income, revenue, turnover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sale

Use when referring to the act of selling something or an event where goods are sold at reduced prices.

  • 1
  • The store is having a big sale this weekend
  • 2
  • The sale of the car was finalized on Monday
revenue

Typically used in a business context to describe the total amount of money a company brings in from its business activities, before expenses are subtracted.

  • 1
  • The company's revenue for the last quarter was higher than expected
  • 2
  • Advertising significantly boosted their revenue
income

Pertains to the money an individual or business receives, often periodically, from work, investments, or other sources.

  • 1
  • Her monthly income is derived from her job and rental properties
  • 2
  • The company reported an increase in its annual income
turnover

Commonly used in British English to describe the total sales made by a company in a certain period. Can also refer to the rate at which employees leave a company and are replaced.

  • 1
  • The bakery had a turnover of ยฃ500,000 last year
  • 2
  • The high employee turnover is a concern for the management

Examples of usage

  • The company reported an increase in sales this quarter.
  • The sales of the product exceeded expectations.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Sales boost consumer spending, a key factor in stimulating economic growth.
  • Retailers often have sales during holidays, like Black Friday, to increase foot traffic and sales volume.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have unique seasonal sales, such as 'Boxing Day' in Canada, which occurs the day after Christmas.
  • In Japan, the New Year brings 'Hatsu-uri,' where stores often offer big discounts to attract shoppers.

Marketing Techniques

  • Limited-time offers and flash sales create urgency, encouraging customers to buy quickly.
  • Psychological pricing, such as setting prices at $9.99 instead of $10, is a common strategy in sales promotions.

Digital Transformation

  • Online platforms have revolutionized sales, with e-commerce expanding the reach to global customers.
  • During events like Cyber Monday, online retailers see massive spikes in sales, showcasing changing shopping behaviors.

Origin of 'sale'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English 'salo,' which means 'to give up or to sell.'
  • In the 14th century, the term was associated with trading transactions, reflecting a long history in commerce.

The word 'sale' originated from the Old English word 'sวฃl', meaning 'a selling' or 'a sale'. It has been used in English since the 13th century. The concept of sale has been an integral part of trade and commerce throughout history, dating back to ancient civilizations. The evolution of sale as a commercial transaction has shaped modern economies and consumer behavior.


See also: salable, saleability, sales, salesman, salesperson.

Word Frequency Rank

At #743 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.