Pronunciation: [bˈɪd ˈʌp] (IPA) 
"Bid up" is a two-word phrasal verb with the primary stress on the first word, "bid," and the secondary stress on the second word, "up." The IPA phonetic transcription for "bid" is /bɪd/, and for "up" it is /ʌp/. When combined, the two words make the pronunciation /ˈbɪd ˌʌp/. This phrasal verb means to increase the price of something in an auction or sale, with competing bidders raising their offers to outdo one another.
Bid up is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of increasing the price of something, usually in an auction or competitive bidding environment. When something is bid up, multiple individuals or entities engage in a series of higher bids, driving up the price of the item. This can occur in various contexts, from stock markets and real estate auctions to online platforms and traditional bidding events.
The process of bidding up involves participating individuals or groups increasing their offers or bids in an attempt to outbid one another. As competitors continue to raise their bids, the price steadily rises, reaching higher levels than the initial or previous amount. This persistent bidding can be driven by factors such as demand, scarcity, competition, or the perceived value of the item being bid on.
Bid up can also be used metaphorically outside the context of auctions, indicating a situation where the price, value, or demand for something is artificially inflated or driven higher by various means. This could occur in financial markets, where speculative trading or manipulative practices result in prices being bid up beyond their intrinsic value.
Overall, bid up is a term used to describe the process of increasing the price of an item through competitive bidding or speculative trading, where multiple participants engage in a series of higher offers or bids to surpass the previous amount and eventually drive up the price.
The term "bid up" originates from the word "bid" which has its roots in Old English. It is derived from the Old English word "biddan", meaning "to ask, entreat, or command". Over time, "bid" evolved to encompass the meaning of "making an offer or proposal in an auction or competitive situation".
The addition of "up" to the verb "bid" further emphasizes the act of raising or increasing the price. This usage can be traced back to the early 20th century, specifically within the context of auctions. In auction scenarios, participants would frequently "bid up" the price of an item by offering higher amounts than the previous bid, ultimately driving up the final selling price.
