What does proffer mean?
Word: Proffer
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Proffer means to hold something out so that a person can take it, or to put forward an idea or some advice.
Synonyms: offer
How do you spell proffer?
Syllables: prof - fer
Tricky part: The stress falls on the first beat and hurries past the middle, so many pupils write only one f.
Watch out for: profer, proffor
Memory tip: Whatever you proffer, you offer, and the two verbs share the same double f.
Proffer in a sentence
Example 1: Our neighbour proffered his umbrella when the rain started at the bus stop.
Example 2: The new captain proffered a few suggestions on sharing the practice ground.
Example 3: Aunt Leela is quick to proffer advice, and most of it turns out to be useful.
Fun Fact
Proffer reached English in the Middle Ages through Anglo-Norman French, the language of England's rulers after 1066. It now sounds far more formal than its everyday relative.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word proffered as used in the sentence:
Meher proffered a plate of warm laddoos to each guest at the door.
a) presented
b) extended
c) withheld
d) tendered
Show answer
c) withheld. Meher held the plate out; keeping it back would be the opposite.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
proffeer
a) f
b) r
c) o
d) e
Show answer
d) e. Only one vowel sits between the double consonant and the final r.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the word in the sentence and choose it:
The new monitor stepped forward to frpoefr a helpful idea for the class garden.
a) poster
b) proffer
c) profile
d) prefer
Show answer
b) proffer. The jumble holds an o and two f's, and just one word here can use them all.
Spell-o-Spell
Three words in the list are spelt correctly and one is misspelt. Choose the meaning of the misspelt word.
1. proffer 2. recomend 3. suggest 4. persuade
a) to make someone agree by giving good reasons
b) to say that something is good and worth choosing
c) to put forward a possible plan
d) to hold out for someone to accept
Show answer
b) to say that something is good and worth choosing. Recommend carries a double m, so that is the slip in this list.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which sentence uses proffer correctly?
a) The kite proffered high above the field.
b) The rain proffered all day over the hills.
c) The waiter proffered the menu with a small bow.
d) My shoes proffered when I walked in the mud.
Show answer
c) The waiter proffered the menu with a small bow.
2. Riya proffered an explanation to the coach. What did she do?
a) She refused to say a single word.
b) She asked him for a longer break.
c) She gave her reason for being late.
d) She walked away from the practice.
Show answer
c) She gave her reason for being late.
