Many words are available in the English language, which has the same meaning but are used in different contexts. Such two words are “proffer” and “offer”. These two words possess the same meaning, but it depends upon the individual’s preference for which word to use.
Undoubtedly, the words “proffer” and “offer” have the same meaning. If something is presented in order of acceptance or rejection, it is called a proffer. This is according to the website vocabulary.com. According to the website, merriam-webster.com, offer means to present in order of rejection or acceptance, too.
Proffer vs Offer
The main difference between proffer and offer is that proffer is used more formally in comparison to the use of the offer. Proffer is used more politely in use. However, offer is used less politely in Comparison to the usage of the proffer. Moreover, there are not many differences between these two words and the meaning they possess.
Proffer is a type of offer that is being made before any type of formal negotiations. Sometimes proffer can be written in place of proffer as well. Proffer can be used synonymously with good faith, which is a proposal or a first offer, thus to express a desire to barter.
Offer refers to a proposal of a condition given by a buyer or a seller at the time of sale of an asset or buying of a thing and which adheres to the legal contract binding. Offer can also be understood by the act of offering something is the purpose of selling or buying by a bid submission.
Comparison Table Between Proffer and Offer
| Parameters of Comparison | Proffer | Offer |
| Origin | The word Proffer originates from an Anglo-French word, “por” & “forth.” | The origin of the word Offer is from the Old French word “ofre.” |
| Alternative use | Proffer can be used alternatively as Proffré. | Offer can be used alternatively as Offré. |
| Use | The use of proffer is more polite. | The use of the offer is less polite in comparison to proffer. |
| Formality | Proffer is generally used in a formal sense. | Offer is used in a less formal sense than proffer. |
| Example | Since Jessica was hungry, she was elated to accept her boss’s proffer of a meal. | Robert’s father even offered him a piece of land if he joined his father to stay. |
What is Proffer?
The offer that is being made before any type of formal negotiations is called proffer. Sometimes proffer is also written as proferring. The origin of the word Proffer comes from two words. The first part, or ”por” comes from an Anglo-French word ”forth,” and the other part, offer is originated from the word “offrir”.
In a business scenario, proffer can be used synonymously with good faith, which is a proposal or a first offer, thus to express a desire to barter. When evidence is offered in support of a debate or when elements are offered in a positive defence or offence, it is understood as to proffer. This is purely the scenario in the case of a trial.
When a party have abundant proof, it must have evidence in abundance to carry that particular burden. For example, to support a particular debate or argument, a party is expected to proffer official documentary witnesses or evidence.
When a particular party does not possess the right to hold enough evidence, which can be inflammatory or lack enough authentication, then that particular party ought to make a proffer. The main purpose behind making the proffer is to preserve the issue that was raised for appeal.
What is Offer?
If a buyer or a seller proposes a condition to sell or buy an asset, it is called an offer. If the condition proposed is accepted, then legally, it becomes binding. Offer can also be understood by the act of offering something is the purpose of selling or buying by a bid submission.
Several distinct features combined, like rules, regulations, seller’s motives, buyer’s motives, type of asset, pricing requirements, constitute the variability possessed by “types” of offers. Under a set of specific conditions, if a service or product is bought or sold as a clear proposal, it is an offer. The main purpose of proposing an offer is that a layman would understand the binding contract.
In the case of debt offerings and equity, the offering price is considered. However, when the publicly issued securities are purchased in offered by any financial institution or investment bank by underwriting the issue, it is called offering price.
In the case e of real estate, at the time of purchases, negotiations, the prospective home buyers generally send an offer to the man or the firm selling the assets and list down the highest amount the buyers can pay. When on real estate, the official offer submission is made, it is generally considered as binding, and the seller undertakes the offer.
Main Differences Between Proffer and Offer
- The origin of the word proffer can be traced back to Anglo-French words, “por” and “forth”. Whereas the word offer is originated from an Old French word, “ofre.”
- Proffer can be used in alternative to proffer. However, of the for can be used in alternative to offer.
- The use of proffer is done in a more formal sense than the use of the offer. Proffer is used extensively for official and legal purposes than offer.
- Proffer is used more politely in various contexts than offer.
- Proffer can be used in a sentence as, During the negotiation done at the time of divorce, Jessica accepted the lavish financial proffer made to her. Whereas, the offer can be used as, In the wintery evening, her boyfriend lowered his arm and offered the tiny beautiful girl.
Conclusion
There are not many differences between proffer and offer. Although they present almost the same meaning, that is something in the order of acceptance or rejection. They differ from each other slightly in the context of their usage. The word proffer is more formally used and gives more positive and polite vibes in comparison to the word offer.
References
- https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/proffer-using-scenarios-instructional-technology/61271
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/4169168