sell
to exchange goods or services for moneyShe sells handmade jewelry at the local market.
This shows the act of exchanging handmade jewelry for money.
to exchange goods or services for money
The store sells organic produce.
This indicates the store exchanges organic produce for money.
Commonly used in everyday contexts.
to persuade someone to buy or accept something
The salesperson tried to sell me a new phone.
The salesperson attempted to persuade me to buy a new phone.
Often used in marketing and sales contexts.
to betray or give away information or secrets
He sold out his friends for a promotion.
He betrayed his friends to get a promotion.
Used in informal contexts to describe betrayal.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'Sell' is often used with direct objects like 'products', 'services', or 'ideas'.
Gold Rule
Transitive Use
'Sell' typically requires a direct object (e.g., 'sell a book').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'sellen', from Old English 'sellan', meaning 'to give, hand over, deliver'.
Usage Notes
The verb 'sell' can be transitive or intransitive. It is commonly used in business, commerce, and everyday transactions.