Name the Price: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
January 6, 2024

The expression "name the price" is often used when someone is asked to specify the cost or value they expect for something. It's commonly used in negotiations, sales, and bartering scenarios.

In short:

  • It means to specify the cost or value of something.
  • It's typically used in contexts of buying, selling, or negotiating.

What Does "Name the Price" Mean?

The phrase "name the price" is about stating or determining the cost of a product or service. It implies that the person asked has the authority or freedom to set the price. For example, when someone wants to buy an item, the seller might say, "Name your price," indicating that the buyer can suggest how much they are willing to pay. It's a straightforward way of initiating a negotiation or sale.

More about the phrase's meaning:

  • It's about setting or proposing a monetary value for something.
  • It is used when the seller gives the buyer the freedom to suggest a price.
  • It can also imply a test of how much someone values something or is willing to pay.
  • This is common in informal selling environments or when the value of something isn't fixed.
  • Similar phrases include "Make an offer" and "What’s your bid?"

Where Does "Name the Price" Come From?

"Name" derives from Old English "nama" or "noma," with Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European origins meaning "name." "The" comes from the late Old English "þe," evolving from earlier forms "se," "seo," and "þæt." "Price" dates back to circa 1200 AD, from Middle English "pris," implying non-monetary value or worth, evolving from Old French and Latin origins linked to the concept of value, reward, or monetary amount. Thus, “name the price” essentially means “assign a value to the sale,” reflecting its historical commerce and negotiation roots.

10 Examples of "Name the Price" in Sentences

To help you understand when to use this phrase, here are some examples from various situations:

  • At the garage sale, the seller told the buyer to name the price for the old bicycle.
  • When negotiating the contract, the freelancer said, "You name the price, and I'll do the work."
  • In the antique shop, the owner asked the customer to name the price for the rare painting.
  • During the auction, the auctioneer said, "I'll start the bidding low, and you name your price."
  • Kidding aside, how much for this rare comic book? Name your price.
  • When selling his car, he told his friend, "Just name your price, and it's yours."
  • As soon as I logged in, I saw his message asking me to name the price for the exclusive content.
  • During the barter, one trader said to the other, "Go ahead, name your price for these goods."
  • "What are the odds that they'll name the price we're hoping for?" she mused, reviewing the negotiation terms.
  • While I was checking in at the hotel, the manager said he'd name the price for an upgraded room, making the offer quite tempting.

Examples of "Name the Price" in Pop Culture

This phrase is also seen in pop culture, often in negotiation or valuation scenarios.

Here are some examples:

  • In the movie "8MM" (1999), the character Max California says, "I can hook you up, though. You name the vice; I name the price." This line reflects the film's exploration of the dark underbelly of society and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters.
  • The song "In the Dark" by Riot City includes the lyrics, "Feeling the madness in your eyes. Name the price." This heavy metal track conveys a sense of intensity and confrontation, characteristic of the band's style.

Synonyms: Other Ways to Say "Name the Price"

Here are some alternative phrases with the same meaning:

  • Set your price
  • Make an offer
  • What’s your bid
  • Quote your price
  • Tell me your price
  • Give me your price
  • How much do you want for it
  • What do you charge
  • What will it cost
  • Price it yourself

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Name the Price":

  • What does "name the price" mean?

"Name the price" refers to specifying or determining the cost of a product or service. It implies that the person being asked has the authority or freedom to set the price.

  • How can I use "name the price" in a sentence?

You can use it when negotiating or discussing the cost of something. For example: "If you like the painting, just name the price."

  • Is "name the price" used more in formal or informal settings?

It's used in both settings but is more common in informal situations like flea markets or personal sales, where prices are flexible.

  • Can "name the price" be used metaphorically?

Yes, it can be used metaphorically to mean assessing the value or cost of something intangible, like an action or decision.

  • Is this phrase common in business negotiations?

Yes, it's quite common in business, especially in deals or transactions where pricing is open for negotiation.

  • Does "name the price" imply a final offer?

Not necessarily. It often starts a negotiation process, and the initial price named can be countered or discussed further.

  • Can "name the price" be used in auctions?

Yes, it can be used in auctions to invite bidders to suggest a starting price or to make an offer for an item.

  • Does it apply only to monetary transactions?

Primarily, yes, but it can also be used in a broader sense to discuss the value or cost of non-monetary exchanges.

  • How is "name the price" different from "make an offer"?

"Name the price" usually means stating a specific cost, while "make an offer" can be more open-ended and includes negotiation.

  • Is the phrase used globally, or is it culture-specific?

While the phrase is used globally, its usage and the context in which it is employed can vary depending on cultural norms and practices in negotiation and trade.

Final Thoughts About "Name the Price"

The phrase "name the price" is a significant expression in negotiation and sales. It empowers the addressed party to set a value, initiating a flexible and open-ended discussion on pricing.

To recap:

  • It is commonly used to initiate pricing discussions in informal sales or negotiations.
  • It can be used literally for monetary transactions and metaphorically for valuing intangible things.
  • The phrase is versatile and can be adapted to various contexts, from personal sales to business negotiations.
  • Understanding its use can be beneficial in navigating negotiations effectively.

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