Offer vs. Acceptance — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 4, 2024
An offer initiates a contract by proposing terms, while acceptance is the agreement to those terms, completing the contract formation.
Difference Between Offer and Acceptance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An offer is a clear proposal made by one party (the offeror) to another (the offeree), suggesting a willingness to enter into a contract on specific terms, awaiting acceptance. It must be communicated effectively and contain terms that are clear and certain, indicating the offeror's intention to be bound by them once accepted. On the other hand, acceptance is the unconditional agreement by the offeree to the terms of the offer, which creates a binding contract. Acceptance must be communicated to the offeror, and it must mirror the terms of the offer exactly, without any modifications, for a contract to be formed.
While the offer sets the stage for a contractual agreement by specifying the terms under which the offeror is willing to be bound, acceptance solidifies the agreement, transforming the offer into a contract. The acceptance must be explicit and adhere to the terms of the offer; any deviation is considered a counter-offer rather than an acceptance. This distinction emphasizes the importance of a clear and unequivocal agreement in contract formation.
Offers can be revoked before acceptance, highlighting the dynamic nature of contract negotiations. An offer remains open for a period specified by the offeror, or for a reasonable time if no period is specified, after which it lapses. Conversely, once acceptance is communicated, the contract becomes binding, and the terms cannot be unilaterally altered, demonstrating the finality and commitment inherent in acceptance.
The method of acceptance varies and can be stipulated by the offeror—whether by performance, written or verbal communication, or, in some cases, even silence, depending on the context. This flexibility allows for various forms of contracting, reflecting the diverse ways in which agreements can be formalized. Meanwhile, offers must be presented in a manner that is accessible to the offeree, ensuring that the offeree has a fair opportunity to accept or reject the proposal.
Timing plays a critical role in the interplay between offer and acceptance. For instance, an acceptance sent after an offer has been revoked, or a counter-offer has been made, does not result in a contract. This underscores the temporal sensitivity of contract formation, where the sequence of actions—offer followed by acceptance—must be adhered to for a legally binding agreement to exist.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A proposal to enter into a contract, awaiting agreement from the offeree.
The offeree's agreement to the terms of the offer, completing the contract formation.
Role
Initiates the potential for a contract.
Finalizes the formation of a contract.
Requirements
Must be clear, certain, and communicated to the offeree.
Must mirror the offer exactly and be communicated to the offeror.
Revocability
Can be revoked before acceptance.
Binding once communicated, cannot be revoked unilaterally.
Forms of Expression
Can be written, verbal, or implied by conduct.
Can be expressed by words, actions, or, in some cases, silence (if stipulated).
Compare with Definitions
Offer
A legal proposition that, if accepted, forms a contract.
The job offer was contingent upon passing a background check.
Acceptance
Agreeing to the terms of an offer, forming a contract.
The acceptance of the job offer was confirmed via email.
Offer
A proposal to do something or pay an amount, subject to acceptance.
The company made an offer to purchase the property.
Acceptance
Conforming to the requirements of an offer without modification.
The buyer's acceptance matched the seller's terms exactly.
Offer
The presentation of goods or services for sale at a specified price.
The advertisement listed a special offer for the first 50 customers.
Acceptance
Formal consent to a proposal or invitation.
Acceptance into the program required submitting additional documents.
Offer
A bid in an auction.
The highest offer for the painting won the bid.
Acceptance
The act of receiving something offered, with intention to retain it.
Acceptance of the gift was a sign of goodwill.
Offer
An invitation to enter into a negotiation.
The seller's offer was lower than the asking price.
Acceptance
Acknowledgment and agreement to the terms of a legal document.
The contract was valid upon the acceptance of both parties.
Offer
To present for acceptance or rejection; proffer
Offered me a drink.
Acceptance
Acceptance in human psychology is a person's assent to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition (often a negative or uncomfortable situation) without attempting to change it or protest it. The concept is close in meaning to acquiescence, derived from the Latin acquiēscere (to find rest in).
Offer
To put forward for consideration; propose
Offer an opinion.
Acceptance
The action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered
Charges involving the acceptance of bribes
Offer
To present in order to meet a need or satisfy a requirement
Offered new statistics in order to facilitate the decision-making process.
Acceptance
The process or fact of being received as adequate, valid, or suitable
You must wait for acceptance into the village
Offer
To present as an act of worship
Offer a prayer.
Acceptance
Agreement with or belief in an idea or explanation
Acceptance of the teaching of the Church
Offer
To propose as payment; bid
Offered only half what I was asking for the car.
Acceptance
The act of taking something offered
The acceptance of a new job.
Offer
To make available; afford
The situation offers us the opportunity to learn more.
Acceptance
The act of admitting to a group or organization
Acceptance of new members into the club.
Offer
To present for sale
Those boots are being offered at half price.
Acceptance
A notification that someone or something has been accepted
Received an acceptance from her first-choice college.
Offer
To provide; furnish
A hotel that offers conference facilities.
Acceptance
Favorable reception; approval
Acceptance of seat belts among the public has greatly reduced injuries in car accidents.
Offer
To exhibit readiness or desire (to do something); volunteer
Offered to carry the packages.
Acceptance
Belief in something; agreement
Acceptance of the new theory has been slow.
Offer
To engage in; put up
Partisans who offered strong resistance to the invaders.
Acceptance
A formal indication by a debtor of willingness to pay a draft or bill of exchange.
Offer
To threaten
Offered to leave without them if they didn't hurry.
Acceptance
An instrument so accepted, especially a bankers' acceptance.
Offer
To produce or introduce on the stage
The repertory group is offering two new plays this season.
Acceptance
(Law) The demonstration of agreement with the terms and conditions of another's offer so that the offer becomes a contract between the two parties.
Offer
To present an offering in worship or devotion.
Acceptance
(uncountable) The act of accepting; the receiving of something offered, with acquiescence, approbation, or satisfaction; especially, favourable reception; approval.
The acceptance of a gift, office, doctrine, etc.
Offer
To make an offer or proposal, especially of marriage.
Acceptance
(countable) An instance of that act.
Offer
To present itself
"This plan was dropped, because of its risk, and because a better offered" (T.E. Lawrence).
Acceptance
Belief in something; agreement, assent.
Offer
(Baseball) To swing at a pitch. Used of a batter.
Acceptance
The state of being accepted.
Offer
The act of offering
An offer of assistance.
Acceptance
The usual or accepted meaning of a word or expression.
Offer
Something, such as a suggestion, proposal, bid, or recommendation, that is offered
Did you accept his offer for the car?.
Acceptance
An assent and engagement by the person on whom a bill of exchange is drawn, to pay it when due according to the terms of the acceptance; the bill of exchange itself when accepted.
Offer
(Law) A proposal that if accepted constitutes a legally binding contract.
Acceptance
(law) An agreeing to the action, proposals, or terms of another by some act which results in the conclusion of a legally binding contract; the reception or taking of a thing bought as that for which it was bought, or as that agreed to be delivered, or the taking of possession of a thing as owner.
Offer
The condition of being offered, especially for sale
Thousands of bushels of wheat on offer.
Acceptance
The act of an authorized representative of the government by which the government assents to ownership of existing and identified supplies, or approves specific services rendered, as partial or complete performance of a contract.
Offer
A proposal that has been made.
What's in his offer?
I decline your offer to contract.
Acceptance
A list of horses accepted as starters in a race.
Offer
Something put forth, bid, proffered or tendered.
His offer was $3.50 per share.
Acceptance
(optics) etendue.
Offer
(legal) An invitation to enter into a binding contract communicated to another party which contains terms sufficiently definite to create an enforceable contract if the other party accepts the invitation.
His first letter was not a real offer, but an attempt to determine interest.
Acceptance
The act of accepting; a receiving what is offered, with approbation, satisfaction, or acquiescence; esp., favorable reception; approval; as, the acceptance of a gift, office, doctrine, etc.
They shall come up with acceptance on mine altar.
Offer
(used in combinations from phrasal verbs) agent noun of off
Acceptance
State of being accepted; acceptableness.
Offer
(intransitive) To propose or express one's willingness (to do something).
She offered to help with her homework.
Acceptance
An assent and engagement by the person on whom a bill of exchange is drawn, to pay it when due according to the terms of the acceptance.
Offer
(transitive) To present in words; to proffer; to make a proposal of; to suggest.
Everybody offered an opinion.
Acceptance
An agreeing to terms or proposals by which a bargain is concluded and the parties are bound; the reception or taking of a thing bought as that for which it was bought, or as that agreed to be delivered, or the taking possession as owner.
Offer
(transitive) To place at someone’s disposal; to present (something) to be either accepted or turned down.
He offered use of his car for the week.
He offered his good will for the Councilman's vote.
Acceptance
An agreeing to the action of another, by some act which binds the person in law.
Offer
(transitive) To present (something) to God or gods as a gesture of worship, or for a sacrifice.
Acceptance
Meaning; acceptation.
Offer
To place (something) in a position where it can be added to an existing mechanical assembly.
Acceptance
The mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true;
He gave credence to the gossip
Acceptance of Newtonian mechanics was unquestioned for 200 years
Offer
(transitive) To bid, as a price, reward, or wages.
I offered twenty dollars for it. The company is offering a salary of £30,000 a year.
Acceptance
The act of accepting with approval; favorable reception;
Its adoption by society
The proposal found wide acceptance
Offer
(intransitive) To happen, to present itself.
Acceptance
The state of being acceptable and accepted;
Torn jeans received no acceptance at the country club
Offer
(obsolete) To make an attempt; typically used with at.
Acceptance
(contract law) words signifying consent to the terms of an offer (thereby creating a contract)
Offer
(transitive) To put in opposition to; to manifest in an offensive or defensive way; to threaten.
To offer violence to somebody
The peasants offered no resistance as they were rounded up.
Acceptance
Banking: a time draft drawn on and accepted by a bank
Offer
To present, as an act of worship; to immolate; to sacrifice; to present in prayer or devotion; - often with up.
Thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement.
A holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices.
Acceptance
A disposition to tolerate or accept people or situations;
All people should practice toleration and live together in peace
Offer
To bring to or before; to hold out to; to present for acceptance or rejection; as, to offer a present, or a bribe; to offer one's self in marriage.
I offer thee three things.
Acceptance
The act of taking something that is offered;
Her acceptance of the gift encouraged him
He anticipated their acceptance of his offer
Offer
To present in words; to proffer; to make a proposal of; to suggest; as, to offer an opinion. With the infinitive as an objective: To make an offer; to declare one's willingness; as, he offered to help me.
Offer
To attempt; to undertake.
All that offer to defend him.
Offer
To bid, as a price, reward, or wages; as, to offer a guinea for a ring; to offer a salary or reward.
Offer
To put in opposition to; to manifest in an offensive way; to threaten; as, to offer violence, attack, etc.
Offer
To present itself; to be at hand.
The occasion offers, and the youth complies.
Offer
To make an attempt; to make an essay or a trial; - used with at.
He would be offering at the shepherd's voice.
I will not offer at that I can not master.
Offer
The act of offering, bringing forward, proposing, or bidding; a proffer; a first advance.
Offer
That which is offered or brought forward; a proposal to be accepted or rejected; a sum offered; a bid.
When offers are disdained, and love denied.
Offer
Attempt; endeavor; essay; as, he made an offer to catch the ball.
Offer
The verbal act of offering;
A generous offer of assistance
Offer
Something offered (as a proposal or bid);
Noteworthy new offerings for investors included several index funds
Offer
A usually brief attempt;
He took a crack at it
I gave it a whirl
Offer
Make available or accessible, provide or furnish;
The conference center offers a health spa
The hotel offers private meeting rooms
Offer
Present for acceptance or rejection;
She offered us all a cold drink
Offer
Agree freely;
She volunteered to drive the old lady home
I offered to help with the dishes but the hostess would not hear of it
Offer
Put forward for consideration;
He offered his opinion
Offer
Offer verbally;
Extend my greetings
He offered his sympathy
Offer
Make available for sale;
The stores are offering specials on sweaters this week
Offer
Propose a payment;
The Swiss dealer offered $2 million for the painting
Offer
Produce or introduce on the stage;
The Shakespeare Company is offering `King Lear' this month
Offer
Present as an act of worship;
Offer prayers to the gods
Offer
Mount or put up;
Put up a good fight
Offer resistance
Offer
Make available; provide;
Extend a loan
The bank offers a good deal on new mortgages
Offer
Ask (someone) to marry you;
He popped the question on Sunday night
She proposed marriage to the man she had known for only two months
The old bachelor finally declared himself to the young woman
Offer
Threaten to do something;
I offered to leave the committee if they did not accept my proposal
Common Curiosities
Can an acceptance change the terms of the offer?
No, any change to the terms constitutes a counter-offer, not an acceptance.
What makes an offer legally binding?
An offer becomes legally binding when it is accepted as is, without modifications.
Is silence considered acceptance?
Generally, silence is not considered acceptance unless the parties have agreed to such terms.
How must acceptance be communicated?
Acceptance must be communicated in the manner requested by the offeror or by any effective means if not specified.
Do both parties need to be aware of the offer for it to be valid?
Yes, the offeree must be aware of the offer to accept it, as acceptance requires knowledge of the proposal.
Can an offer be withdrawn after acceptance?
No, once an offer is accepted, it cannot be withdrawn unilaterally as it forms a binding contract.
Is an offer always made in writing?
No, offers can be made verbally, in writing, or through conduct, depending on the circumstances.
Can acceptance be assumed from conduct?
Yes, acceptance can sometimes be inferred from the offeree's conduct if it clearly indicates agreement to the terms.
What is a conditional acceptance?
Conditional acceptance is when the offeree agrees to the offer subject to certain conditions, which is treated as a counter-offer.
Can an offer specify a method of acceptance?
Yes, an offeror can specify a method of acceptance, and the offeree must follow that method for the acceptance to be valid.
What is a counter-offer?
A counter-offer is a response to an offer that modifies it, effectively rejecting the original offer and proposing a new one.
What happens if there is a delay in communication of acceptance?
If there is a delay in the communication of acceptance, it may not be valid if the offer has been revoked or lapsed.
Can an offer be made to the general public?
Yes, offers can be made to the general public, such as in advertisements, but they must be clear and definite to be accepted.
What is the "mirror image rule"?
The "mirror image rule" states that acceptance must exactly match the terms of the offer for a contract to be formed.
Is every proposal an offer?
Not every proposal is an offer; it must intend to create legal obligations upon acceptance to be considered an offer.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
