sell
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /sɛl/
KK: /sɛl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To be in demand or to attract buyers; to be popular in the market.
Example
The new smartphone sells very well among young people.
Tense Forms
Past: sold
Past Participle: sold
Conversation
Have you noticed how many new toys sell during the holiday season?
Yeah, it’s amazing how quickly they go off the shelves.
I heard that the latest video game is really selling this year.
No surprise there! Everyone wants to get their hands on it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
trade
market
deal
Antonyms
buy
hold
retain
noun
Definition
An act of selling something, often referring to a product or service that is offered to customers.
Example
The new smartphone was a great sell, attracting many buyers.
Conversation
I heard the new phone has a great sell with its features.
Really? What makes it such a good sell?
Well, everyone is raving about the camera and battery life.
Root Explanation
Sell → This word originates from Old English 'sellan', meaning to give or hand over. The word 'sell' means to give something in exchange for money or other compensation.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word 'sellan', which means to give something away — that's why 'sell' means to give something in exchange for something else.
Visually Confused Words
swell
stell
spell
snell
smell
skell
shell
ell