auction
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈɔːkʃən/
KK: /ˈɔkʃən/
noun
Definition
A public event where items or property are sold to the person who offers the most money.
Example
She bought a beautiful painting at the auction last weekend.
Conversation
Have you ever been to an auction?
No, I haven't, but they sound exciting!
I went to one last weekend, and it was really fun to see all the items up for bid.
That sounds cool! I’d love to go to an auction someday.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bidding
sale
market
Antonyms
purchase
gift
donation
transitive verb
Definition
To sell something to the highest bidder in a public sale where items are sold to the person who offers the most money.
Example
The art gallery will auction the painting next week.
Tense Forms
Past: auctioned
Past Participle: auctioned
Conversation
Did you hear about the old furniture they auctioned off last weekend?
Yeah, I saw some pictures online; it looked like a great event!
I wish I could have gone to see what they auctioned off.
Root Explanation
Auction → The word 'auction' comes from the Latin 'auctio' (meaning increase or growth), derived from 'augere' (meaning to increase). It refers to a public sale where goods are sold to the highest bidder, thus increasing the price through competitive bidding.
Memory Tip
Think of 'increasing' the price through competition when people bid at an auction.
Visually Confused Words
action
afunction
adduction
abduction
unction
taction
suction
ruction