sale
UK[seɪl]US[seɪl]
n
the exchange of a commodity for money; the action of selling something.
n
a period during which a shop or dealer sells goods at reduced prices.
Etymology
the modern english word 'sale' descends directly from the old english noun 'sala', which meant the act of selling or a bargain. this old english term has cognates in other germanic languages, such as old norse 'sala'. it is ultimately traced back to the proto-germanic root salō, carrying the core meaning of a delivery or handing over. the semantic journey from the ancient concept of a 'handing over' to the contemporary, commercialized meaning of 'a transaction for money' illustrates the evolution of trade and economy within the language. its form has remained remarkably stable and unanalyzable into smaller meaningful parts in modern english.
Analysis
the word 'sale' is a simplex word of old english origin, derived from the old english 'sala'. it functions as a complete lexical unit.
Examples
the sale of the company was finalized last week.
all winter coats are now on sale.
she made her first big sale as a real estate agent.