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| Date: | 1200-1300 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | offrir, from Latin offerre, from ferre 'to carry' |
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of‧fer1 S1 W1
1 [transitive] to ask someone if they would like to have something, or to hold something out to them so that they can take it
offer something to somebody 
Maureen lit a cigarette and offered one to Lucy.The drama school offers places to students who can show talent.
Maureen lit a cigarette and offered one to Lucy.The drama school offers places to students who can show talent.2 [intransitive and transitive] to say that you are willing to do something : I don't need any help, but it was nice of you to offer.
I don't need any help, but it was nice of you to offer. offer to do something My dad has offered to pick us up. The newspaper offered to apologise for the article.
My dad has offered to pick us up.The newspaper offered to apologise for the article.3 [transitive] to provide something that people need or want The Centre offers a wide range of sports facilities.
offer an opportunity/chance/possibility The course offers the opportunity to specialize in the final year.
The course offers the opportunity to specialize in the final year.The Centre offers a wide range of sports facilities. offer something to somebody I did what I could to offer comfort to the family.
I did what I could to offer comfort to the family.4 to have qualities, opportunities etc that people are likely to want or enjoy :
have something to offer (somebody)
5 [transitive] to say that you are willing to pay a particular amount of money for something
offer (somebody) something for something They've offered us £75,000 for the house. The police are offering a reward for any information.
They've offered us £75,000 for the house.The police are offering a reward for any information.7 if an opportunity to do something offers itself, it becomes available to you : I'll raise the subject when a suitable occasion offers itself.
offer itself
formalI'll raise the subject when a suitable occasion offers itself.
