How Do You Spell SELL?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛl] (IPA)

Sell is a common verb used to describe the act of exchanging a product or service for money. The spelling of the word "sell" is straightforward, as it follows the pattern of using a short "e" sound represented by the IPA phonetic symbol /ɛ/ and a double "l" to indicate the final consonant sound. The word is pronounced as /sɛl/, with emphasis on the first syllable. Proper spelling is important, as it ensures clear communication in written communication and accurate results in language processing software.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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SELL Meaning and Definition

  1. Sell is a transitive verb that can be defined as the act of exchanging goods or services for money or an equivalent value. It involves the process of offering products or commodities to potential buyers with the intention of completing a transaction and gaining a profit.

    When an individual or a business entity sells something, they engage in various activities, such as advertising, marketing, and pricing, to attract customers and persuade them to make a purchase. Selling typically includes presenting the features, benefits, and quality of a product or service to potential customers in an attempt to convince them of its value and suitability to meet their needs or desires.

    The process of selling often involves negotiations, such as haggling or bargaining, between the seller and the buyer in order to agree on a price or the terms of the transaction. It can take place through various channels, such as physical stores, e-commerce platforms, or direct sales. Additionally, selling can be performed by individuals on behalf of a company, as in sales representatives or agents.

    The main objective of selling is to generate revenue and make a profit by exchanging goods or services for monetary compensation. It is an essential component of business activities, enabling companies to sustain their operations, expand their market presence, and meet their financial objectives.

  2. To give or transfer to for a price; the opposite of to buy; to part with for an equivalent; to have traffic; to betray for a reward.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SELL *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SELL

Etymology of SELL

The word "sell" can be traced back to Old English, where it originated from the verb "sellan". This Old English word eventually evolved into Middle English "sellen" before finally reaching its current form. The root of "sellan" can be found in other Germanic languages as well, such as Old Norse "selja" and Old High German "sellan". These cognates suggest a common origin in the Proto-Germanic language. The exact etymology beyond Proto-Germanic is uncertain, but some theories propose a connection to the PIE (Proto-Indo-European) root *sal-, meaning "to jump" or "spring up", indicating a concept of exchange or of "leaping" one thing for another. However, this connection remains speculative as there is no solid evidence to support this theory.

Idioms with the word SELL

  • soft sell The idiom "soft sell" refers to a subtle or gentle approach to selling a product, service, or idea. It involves persuasive techniques that focus on building relationships, providing information, and addressing the customer's needs and concerns without using aggressive or forceful tactics. The soft sell method often relies on creating trust and emphasizing the benefits of the product or service rather than pushing for an immediate sale.
  • sell short The idiom "sell short" refers to the act of underestimating or undervaluing someone or something. It can also mean to express doubts or lacking confidence in the abilities, potential, or success of someone or something.
  • sell up The idiomatic phrase "sell up" typically refers to the act of selling one's entire business or property, often for financial gain or to exit a specific venture. It can also be used more broadly to describe selling all possessions or assets in general.
  • sell somebody/yourself short The idiom "sell somebody/yourself short" means to underestimate or undervalue someone's abilities, skills, or worth. It refers to not acknowledging or recognizing one's true potential or talent, often resulting in settling for less than they deserve or achieving less than they are capable of.
  • sell like hot cakes The idiom "sell like hot cakes" means that a product or item is selling very quickly and in large quantities. Similar to hot cakes, which are typically in high demand and consumed rapidly, the phrase suggests that something is highly popular and sought after by customers.
  • pile it/them high and sell it/them cheap The idiom "pile it/them high and sell it/them cheap" refers to a strategy of selling a large quantity of goods or products at very low prices. It is commonly used to describe businesses or retailers that focus on offering a high volume of affordable items to attract customers, often prioritizing quantity over quality. The goal is to entice customers with lower prices, even if it means sacrificing some level of quality or individual attention.
  • sell sb a pup, at sell sb a bill of goods The definition for the idiom "sell sb a pup" is to deceive or cheat someone by offering something that is of low quality or not as valuable as it was claimed to be. It can also mean to trick someone into believing something that is false or misleading. The idiom "sell sb a bill of goods" has a similar meaning. It refers to deceiving or misleading someone into believing something that is not true or beneficial. It can involve making false promises or presenting fraudulent information to convince someone to buy or accept something. Overall, both idioms convey the notion of being deceived or misled by someone, particularly when it comes to making a purchase or accepting information.
  • sell (one's) birthright for a mess of pottage The idiom "sell (one's) birthright for a mess of pottage" is derived from a biblical story and it refers to someone giving up a valuable or important thing in exchange for something trivial or of little worth. The phrase implies making a foolish or shortsighted decision to prioritize immediate gratification over long-term benefit.
  • sell somebody down the river The idiom "sell somebody down the river" means to betray or deceive someone, usually by providing sensitive or confidential information about them to others, leading to their disadvantage or harm.
  • sell your body The idiom "sell your body" typically refers to the act of engaging in sexual activities or prostitution in exchange for money or other benefits. It implies trading personal integrity or moral values for financial gain.
  • sell a bill of goods The idiom "sell a bill of goods" means to deceive or trick someone by making false promises or misleading statements. It refers to the act of selling an item or idea that does not live up to the buyer's expectations, often resulting in disappointment or dissatisfaction.
  • sell the farm "Sell the farm" is an idiom that means to engage in risky behavior or make a major sacrifice in order to achieve a desired outcome or goal. It often implies that one is willing to give up or lose everything in pursuit of that objective. This expression is derived from the notion of selling one's farm, which serves as both the primary source of livelihood and a significant asset.
  • sell the family silver The idiom "sell the family silver" refers to the act of selling or parting with valuable or cherished possessions, often done out of desperation or to address financial difficulties. It indicates a situation where someone is willing to sacrifice long-term assets or valuables to meet immediate needs or solve a financial crisis.
  • buy low, sell high The idiom "buy low, sell high" refers to a strategy or principle in investing and business, encouraging individuals to purchase assets or products at a low price or when the market is down, and then sell them at a higher price or when the market is up. It emphasizes the importance of seeking good deals and making a profit by capitalizing on the fluctuations in prices and market conditions.
  • sell (one's) soul (to the devil) To "sell one's soul (to the devil)" means to metaphorically trade one's integrity, values, or moral principles in exchange for personal gain, success, or power, often with a sense of treachery or desperation.
  • the hard sell The idiom "the hard sell" refers to a persuasive and forceful sales technique used to aggressively convince someone to purchase a product or service. It often involves intense pressure tactics, manipulation, or relentless persuasion methods to close a sale.
  • pile it high and sell it cheap The idiom "pile it high and sell it cheap" means to mass-produce or accumulate a large quantity of something and then sell it at a low price. It is often used to describe a business strategy that focuses on offering products or services at low prices, often sacrificing quality or uniqueness in favor of quantity and affordability.
  • sell sth at sth The idiom "sell something at something" refers to the act of selling an item or product at a specific price or value.
  • sell someone a bill of goods The idiom "sell someone a bill of goods" means to deceive or mislead someone by providing false information or promises in order to persuade them into believing or buying something.
  • sell at sth The idiom "sell at sth" generally means to offer or present something for sale at a particular price. It refers to the act of trading or exchanging goods or services for a specific value or amount of money.
  • sell off The idiom "sell off" means to dispose of or liquidate goods, assets, or stocks rapidly, often at a lower price than their actual value. It refers to the act of selling something quickly or urgently, usually due to financial pressure or a need to eliminate storage or inventory.
  • sell sth on credit The idiom "sell something on credit" refers to the act of allowing a customer to obtain goods or services immediately, with the understanding that payment will be made at a later date. It involves granting a line of credit to the buyer, who can defer payment until an agreed-upon time or in installments. The seller assumes the risk of potential non-payment and relies on the buyer's promise to fulfill the payment obligation within the specified terms.
  • sell sm on sth The idiom "sell someone on something" is used to mean convincing or persuading someone to believe in, support, or be enthusiastic about something, such as an idea, product, or concept. It involves presenting arguments, benefits, or reasons to make someone agree or become interested in a particular thing.
  • sell down the river The idiom "sell down the river" refers to betraying or deceiving someone, often for personal gain or advantage. It originated from the practice of selling enslaved individuals down the Mississippi River during the era of slavery, where they would be separated from their families and familiar surroundings, thereby facing a bleak future. The phrase figuratively implies betrayal, abandonment, or sacrifice of someone's interests for selfish motives.
  • sell something for a certain price The idiom "sell something for a certain price" means to exchange or transfer possession of an item or product in return for a specific amount of money or payment. It refers to setting a fixed value or cost for something and offering it to potential buyers at that specified price.
  • sell sm or sth short The idiom "sell someone or something short" means to underestimate or undervalue someone or something. It implies not recognizing or appreciating the true worth, potential, or abilities of a person, idea, or object.
  • sell in May and go away The idiom "sell in May and go away" refers to a trading strategy or advice that suggests selling stocks or investments in May and then staying out of the market until the end of the summer, typically until September. This strategy is based on the belief that the stock market tends to underperform during the summer months, especially in May. The phrase implies that investors should sell their holdings before the traditionally slower period in the market and come back when trading typically becomes more active again.
  • sell sth out The idiom "sell something out" means to completely sell all available stock or inventory of a particular item, often to the point of being fully depleted or completely sold. It could also refer to the act of selling all the tickets for a concert, event, or show. Essentially, it implies the complete exhaustion of supply due to high demand.
  • sell sb down the river The idiom "sell sb down the river" means to betray or deceive someone, especially a friend or ally, for personal gain or advantage. It refers to the act of helping or delivering someone into a difficult or unfavorable situation, often in a treacherous or disloyal manner.
  • sell (one) a bill of goods The idiom "sell (one) a bill of goods" means to deceive or trick someone into believing or accepting something that is false or misleading. It typically involves convincing someone to purchase or accept a product, idea, or concept based on false or exaggerated claims.
  • sell someone out The idiom "sell someone out" refers to betraying or sacrificing someone's trust, loyalty, or interests for personal gain or self-interest. It involves disclosing confidential information, abandoning someone, or collaborating against them, typically in exchange for some form of advantage, profit, or protection.
  • sell oneself The definition of the idiom "sell oneself" refers to the act of promoting or presenting oneself in a favorable way, often for personal gain or advancement. It means to highlight one's skills, abilities, or qualities in order to make a favorable impression, especially in a professional or social setting. It can also imply conveying oneself as highly desirable or valuable, often with the intention of gaining the approval or acceptance of others.
  • sell out The idiom "sell out" typically refers to someone compromising their principles, values, or beliefs in order to gain personal or financial advantage. It can also mean betraying one's ideals or allegiances for personal gain or profit. This expression can be used in various contexts, such as politics, entertainment, or business.
  • sell someone a dummy To "sell someone a dummy" is an idiomatic expression that means to deceive or trick someone by providing false information or leading them to believe something that is not true. It can also refer to misleading someone intentionally in order to gain an advantage or manipulate a situation.
  • sell like hotcakes The idiom "sell like hotcakes" means that something is selling extremely quickly and in large quantities, often indicating high demand or popularity. It refers to the way hotcakes (pancakes) sell very well, as they are typically popular and in-demand breakfast items.
  • sell sth for a song The idiom "sell something for a song" means to sell something at a very low price, typically much lower than its actual value. It implies that the item is being sold for such a low price that it is almost as if it is being exchanged for a song, which is usually considered to be of minimal value or even free.
  • sell sb a bill of goods The idiom "sell someone a bill of goods" means to deceive or trick someone by making false promises or presenting something as better than it actually is. It refers to convincing someone to accept or buy something based on misleading information or dishonest sales tactics.
  • sell sm a bill of goods The idiom "sell someone a bill of goods" means to deceive or trick someone by providing false or inaccurate information about something. It implies that the person has been persuaded or convinced to believe in something that is not true or reliable.
  • sell (or go) like hot cakes The idiom "sell (or go) like hot cakes" means that something is selling very quickly and in large quantities. It refers to the popularity and high demand for a product or item.
  • hard sell The idiom "hard sell" refers to a persuasive and aggressive approach used in sales or advertising to convince someone to buy a product or service, often involving extensive or forceful tactics. It typically involves overwhelming the potential buyer with information, pressure, or convincing arguments to make a sale, even if the buyer may initially be hesitant or resistant.
  • sell yourself/sth short The idiom "sell yourself/sth short" means to underestimate or undervalue oneself or something, typically in terms of abilities, skills, or worth. It refers to not recognizing or presenting one's true value or potential.
  • sell out (to sm) The idiom "sell out (to someone)" generally refers to the act of compromising one's principles, values, or integrity in exchange for personal gain or profit. It can also imply betraying a cause, a group, or one's own ideals in order to gain financial or personal benefits.
  • sell out sb/sth The idiom "sell out someone/something" refers to a situation where someone betrays or compromises their principles, values, or loyalty for personal gain or profit. It can also mean abandoning or betraying someone or something for personal advantage or benefit.
  • sell somebody/buy a pup The idiom "sell somebody/buy a pup" means to deceive or trick someone, usually by persuading them to buy or believe in something that turns out to be worthless, false, or not as expected. It refers to a situation where one person takes advantage of another's trust or naivety for personal gain.
  • sell in May and stay away The idiom "sell in May and stay away" refers to a financial strategy where investors sell their stocks or securities in May and avoid investing or trading during the summer months, typically until September or beyond. This strategy is based on the historical trend that stock market returns tend to be lower or more volatile during the summer period.
  • sell on credit The idiom "sell on credit" means to allow customers to purchase goods or services with the agreement that payment will be made at a later date or in installments. It refers to the act of providing goods or services on the promise of future payment, typically with additional interest or fees.
  • sell sm out The idiom "sell someone out" means to betray or deceive someone, often for personal gain or to avoid trouble or punishment. It implies that someone has turned against a trusted individual by revealing their secrets, confidential information, or by otherwise undermining or harming them in some way.
  • sell your soul (to the devil) To "sell your soul (to the devil)" is an idiomatic expression that means to make a morally or ethically compromising decision or action in exchange for personal gain or success. It refers to the idea of making a Faustian bargain, sacrificing one's integrity or values for material or worldly prosperity.
  • sell sth for a certain price The idiom "sell something for a certain price" means to offer or exchange an item or service at a specific cost or value. It implies that the seller is receiving a designated amount in return for the product or service being sold.
  • sell (one's) birthright for a bowl of soup The idiom "sell (one's) birthright for a bowl of soup" refers to making a foolish or impulsive decision in exchange for immediate gratification or short-term gain, often at the cost of a more significant or valuable long-term outcome. It originates from the biblical story of Esau, who sold his birthright as the firstborn son to his younger brother Jacob in exchange for a bowl of lentil soup. This idiom is commonly used to criticize someone who prioritizes immediate rewards or pleasure over their long-term interests or commitments.
  • sell out (of sth) The idiom "sell out (of sth)" generally refers to the exhaustion of supply or stock of a particular item or product due to high demand, resulting in all available units being sold. It signifies that the entire stock or inventory has been purchased and there are no more items left for sale, often indicating a successful or popular product or event.
  • sell sm or sth as sth The idiom "sell someone or something as something" means to portray or present a person or something in a way that exaggerates or misrepresents their qualities, capabilities, or value in order to deceive or persuade others. It involves making something seem better, more desirable, or more valuable than it truly is to attract potential buyers or convince someone to believe in a certain idea or viewpoint.
  • (someone) could sell ice to Eskimos The idiom "(someone) could sell ice to Eskimos" is used to describe an individual who possesses exceptional persuasive skills or salesmanship abilities. It implies that the person is capable of convincing or manipulating others, even in situations where the need or demand for a particular item is already abundant or unnecessary, like selling ice to Eskimos who already have plenty of it due to their environment.
  • sell (one's) body The idiom "sell one's body" generally refers to engaging in prostitution or exchanging sexual services for money. It implies surrendering or compromising one's integrity or dignity in pursuit of financial gain from sexual acts.
  • (someone) could sell an icebox to an Eskimo The definition of the idiom "(someone) could sell an icebox to an Eskimo" refers to an individual's exceptional persuasive skills or talent for selling unnecessary or redundant items to someone who has no need or use for them. It implies the ability to convince even the most unlikely customers to make a purchase.
  • sell sb/sth short The idiom "sell someone/something short" means to underestimate or undervalue the abilities, qualities, or worth of someone or something. It implies not recognizing or acknowledging the full potential or value of a person or thing.
  • sell sth off The idiom "sell something off" means to dispose of or liquidate a large quantity of something, usually at a discounted price, in order to get rid of it quickly or to raise money.
  • go/sell like hot cakes The idiom "go/sell like hot cakes" means that something is selling or being bought very quickly and in large quantities. It implies that the item or product is in high demand and popular among buyers. The phrase originates from the idea that hotcakes (also known as pancakes) are typically a fast-selling food item at markets or breakfast places.
  • (someone) could sell sawdust to a lumber mill The idiom "could sell sawdust to a lumber mill" refers to someone who is exceptionally skilled or persuasive in sales or persuasion. It implies that the person has such strong convincing abilities that they could even sell something as useless as sawdust to a place that is already abundant in it, like a lumber mill.
  • pass your sell-by date The idiom "pass your sell-by date" means to be past the point of usefulness, relevance, or desirability; to be outdated or no longer effective.
  • be past its sell-by date The idiom "be past its sell-by date" means that something is no longer useful, valuable, or relevant because it is outdated or past its time of usefulness.
  • sell/go like hot cakes The idiom "sell/go like hot cakes" means that something is selling or moving quickly and in high demand.
  • be past the/(one's) sell-by date The idiom "be past the/(one's) sell-by date" refers to being no longer useful, desirable, or effective, typically due to being outdated or no longer relevant.
  • have passed (someone or something's) sell-by date This idiom refers to a person or thing that is no longer desirable, useful, or relevant because they are outdated or past their prime.
  • sell-by date A "sell-by date" is the date stamped on perishable goods that indicates the last day on which the item should be sold by the retailer. It is not necessarily the same as an expiration date, but rather a guide for retailers to know when to rotate stock.
  • have passed your sell-by date The idiom "have passed your sell-by date" means that someone or something is no longer useful, valuable, or relevant, or that their skills or abilities are no longer effective or up to the required standard.

Similar spelling words for SELL

Plural form of SELL is SELLS

Conjugate verb Sell

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have sold
you would have sold
he/she/it would have sold
we would have sold
they would have sold
I would have sell
you would have sell
he/she/it would have sell
we would have sell
they would have sell

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been selling
you would have been selling
he/she/it would have been selling
we would have been selling
they would have been selling

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would sell
you would sell
he/she/it would sell
we would sell
they would sell

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be selling
you would be selling
he/she/it would be selling
we would be selling
they would be selling

FUTURE

I will sell
you will sell
he/she/it will sell
we will sell
they will sell

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be selling
you will be selling
he/she/it will be selling
we will be selling
they will be selling

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have sold
you will have sold
he/she/it will have sold
we will have sold
they will have sold

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been selling
you will have been selling
he/she/it will have been selling
we will have been selling
they will have been selling

IMPERATIVE

you sell
we let´s sell

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to sell

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was selling
you were selling
he/she/it was selling
we were selling
they were selling

PAST PARTICIPLE

sold

PAST PERFECT

I had sold
you had sold
he/she/it had sold
we had sold
they had sold

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been selling
you had been selling
he/she/it had been selling
we had been selling
they had been selling

PRESENT

I sell
you sell
he/she/it sells
we sell
they sell

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am selling
you are selling
he/she/it is selling
we are selling
they are selling

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

selling

PRESENT PERFECT

I have sold
you have sold
he/she/it has sold
we have sold
they have sold

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been selling
you have been selling
he/she/it has been selling
we have been selling
they have been selling

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it sell

SIMPLE PAST

I sold
you sold
he/she/it sold
we sold
they sold

Infographic

Correct spelling for sell
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