bid
To make an offer of payment for something, especially at an auction; to issue a command or invitation; an attempt to achieve or obtain something, often in a competitive context. 'BID' can also refer to twice-daily dosing in medical contexts.
Etymology
Origin: Latin
Root: bis in diē (twice in a day, for medical usage); biddan (Old English, for command and request) — "two, twice"
Example
"The antique collector decided to bid aggressively on the vintage painting, knowing it might be her only chance."
Usage Notes
Bid has multiple distinct meanings across contexts. In commerce/auctions, it's neutral and transactional. In business contexts, 'bid' implies competition and strategy. The archaic sense of 'command' (as in 'I bid you welcome') sounds formal or literary today. Medical abbreviation BID (twice daily) is specialized jargon. Common error: confusing auction bids with business proposals.