Sell: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’ฐ
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sell

 

[sel ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

business

To transfer goods or services in exchange for money.

Synonyms

market, peddle, trade, vend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sell

This is a general term used when you exchange goods or services for money. It's versatile and used in many types of transactions.

  • She decided to sell her old bike at the garage sale.
  • They sell fresh fruits at the market every weekend.
peddle

This word can have a negative connotation and is used when someone is selling goods, often small items, directly to people by going from place to place.

  • He peddled cheap sunglasses on the beach.
  • The street vendor was peddling hot dogs to tourists.
vend

This word is often used to describe selling products through vending machines or at stalls. It's a more formal term.

  • He decided to vend snacks and drinks from a machine at the school.
  • There was a man vending ice cream from a cart by the park.
trade

This word is used when you exchange goods or services without using money, or in the context of business transactions between companies or countries.

  • They decided to trade old comics for some new ones.
  • The two nations agreed to trade goods to boost their economies.
market

This word is often used in a business context to refer to promoting and selling products or services. It can also refer to a place where goods are sold.

  • The company is looking to market its new product to young adults.
  • She likes to market her handmade jewelry at local fairs.

Examples of usage

  • She sells handmade jewelry online.
  • He sells cars for a living.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Originates from the Old English 'sellan', meaning 'to give or deliver'.
  • Related to the Proto-Germanic word 'saljan', which means 'to give'.
  • The word evolved through Middle English, where it took on its current form.

Economics

  • Selling is a fundamental part of economics, enabling transactions that drive supply and demand.
  • In markets, selling often connects producers with consumers, thereby facilitating the flow of goods.
  • Different selling strategies can influence the perceived value of products, like pricing and advertising.

Psychology

  • The act of selling often involves understanding human emotions and behaviors, such as trust and persuasion.
  • Salespeople are trained in tactics that appeal to the buyerโ€™s needs and desires.
  • Research shows that successful sales involve forming a genuine connection with customers.

Technology

  • In e-commerce, selling has transformed with digital platforms enabling global reach and 24/7 access.
  • Social media has emerged as a powerful tool for selling, where businesses connect directly with customers.
  • The rise of apps and online marketplaces, like Amazon and eBay, has revolutionized traditional selling methods.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'sell out' is often used in music or entertainment to denote an artist who prioritizes commercial gain over artistic integrity.
  • Reality television shows frequently highlight selling as a fundamental aspect of entrepreneurship, like in 'Shark Tank'.
  • Movies like 'The Wolf of Wall Street' explore the ethics and excesses of selling in high-pressure environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "sell" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น vender

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅ‡เคšเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช verkaufen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ menjual

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะพะดะฐะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sprzedawaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฃฒใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท vendre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ vender

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท satmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํŒ”๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุจูŠุน

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ prodat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ predรกvaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ–

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ prodati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ selja

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะฐั‚ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒงแƒ˜แƒ“แƒ•แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ satmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ vender

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,566, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.