Sell Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'sell'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'sell' originated from the Old English word 'sellan', meaning 'to give'. Over time, it evolved to specifically refer to exchanging goods or services for money. Selling has been a fundamental aspect of human commerce for centuries, playing a crucial role in economic systems and trade relationships.


See also: bestseller, oversell, sellable, seller, sellers, selling, undersell, underselling.

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.