proffer
proffer Lexical Profile
proffer Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To hold out or put forward something to someone for acceptance.
"He proffered no explanation for his sudden resignation from the board of directors."
• noun
An offer or proposal made to someone for acceptance.
"The diplomatic delegation politely declined the sudden proffer of assistance from the neighboring state."
American In law, a written or oral offer of information made by a defendant or witness to a prosecutor, typically during plea negotiations or in exchange for limited immunity.
"The defense attorney arranged a proffer session with federal prosecutors to outline the witness's testimony."
Word Nuance & Usage
In contemporary usage, "proffer" is more formal than "offer" and typically takes an abstract noun (such as an apology, excuse, or advice) as its object rather than a physical item, though it can also describe physically holding out one's hand.
• Rhymes for proffer
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 14th century from Anglo-French 'proffrir' and Old French 'poroffrir', formed from the prefix 'por-' (forth, forward) and 'offrir' (to offer), from Late Latin 'offerre'.