Words / C1

TEND-uh/ˈtendə/

To tender is to make a formal offer to supply goods or work at a stated price: tender for a contract, tender a resignation. Bid is the close twin; offer is everyday; a handshake is not a tender. Tender (adjective) means gentle or painful — a different family. Legal tender is money that must be accepted.

Meaning

To make a formal offer to supply goods or work at a stated price.

Examples

• “Tender the invigilation contract in the log; a handshake in the car park is not a tender.”
• “Bid is the close twin. Offer is everyday. A tender (noun) is the document. Gentle and sore are adjective lookalikes. Procurement has a log and a deadline. Car parks do not. Write the offer where it can be audited.”

Good to know

Make a formal offer to supply work. Close: bid. Noun: a tender. Lookalike adjective: gentle / sore. A handshake is not the log.

Near in meaning

bid

New