offering

An offering is something presented to another party, typically as a gift, a contribution, a proposal, or a service. It may be voluntary and symbolic or part of a transactional or ceremonial act, and its meaning varies with context.

In religious contexts, offerings are gifts given to deities or religious institutions to express devotion, gratitude, or supplication. Common forms include money, food, incense, or other symbolic items. Practices and terminology vary across traditions, with terms such as alms, tithes, sacrifices, or offerings used to describe different acts of giving.

In business and finance, an offering can refer to a product or service package that a company makes available, or to the sale of securities to investors. This includes public offerings of stock or bonds, as well as follow-on offerings or private placements. The term is also used in marketing to describe the range of goods or services a company presents to customers—their product or service offering.

In contract law, an offer is a proposal by one party to enter into a contract, the acceptance of which forms a binding agreement. The concept of offer and acceptance is central to negotiation and commerce and helps determine whether a deal has been formed.

Overall, the word offering encompasses acts of giving or presenting across religious, economic, legal, and social domains, with nuances shaped by cultural and situational context.