Deal
/diːl/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo distribute cards to players in a game, or to distribute something else.
/diːl/
To distribute cards to players in a card game.
The dealer dealt five cards to each player.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a card game, like poker. When you 'deal' the cards, you hand them out to everyone so they can play.
👶 For kids: When you deal, you give something out like cards in a game!
More Examples
He dealt with the problem by ignoring it.
How It's Used
"He is dealing the cards for the poker game."
To take action or handle a situation or person.
/diːl/
To take action or handle a situation.
How do you deal with stress?
💡 Simply: When you 'deal' with something, it means you're taking care of it or managing it. For example, dealing with a problem means figuring out how to fix it.
👶 For kids: When you deal with something, it means you are working on it or taking care of it!
More Examples
I need to deal with this problem now.
The company is dealing with increased demand.
How It's Used
"She is dealing with a difficult customer."
"He had to deal with a flooded basement."
An agreement or transaction, especially one that is favorable or beneficial.
/diːl/
An agreement or arrangement, especially in business.
The deal was finalized yesterday.
💡 Simply: A 'deal' is when people agree to do something. Like, 'Let's make a deal: I'll help you with your homework if you help me with mine!'
👶 For kids: A deal is like a promise or an agreement!
More Examples
This deal offers significant benefits.
We have to renegotiate the deal.
How It's Used
"They reached a deal to merge their companies."
"The political parties made a deal to pass the legislation."
An amount of something that is sold, offered or a good price.
/diːl/
An amount of something that is offered or given, usually a bargain.
This is a good deal!
💡 Simply: When you get a 'deal', you get something for a better price or with more advantages than usual. For example, a 'deal' at the store might mean the item is on sale.
👶 For kids: When something is on sale, it is a good deal!
More Examples
I found a great deal on a used car.
They offered me a better deal than the competition.
How It's Used
"That's a great deal on the new smartphone."
"I got a good deal on a new car."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a good deal
A significant amount or to a great extent.
"I enjoyed the party a good deal."
big deal
Something not important or impressive.
"Losing the game was no big deal."
no deal
An expression of refusal or rejection of an offer or proposal.
"You want me to pay how much? No deal!"
make a deal
To come to an agreement or arrangement.
"They made a deal to collaborate on the project."
a done deal
Something that has already been decided or agreed, and cannot be changed.
"The contract is signed; it's a done deal."
From Middle English delen, from Old English dǣlan ('to divide, share'), from Proto-Germanic *dailijaną, from Proto-Indo-European *dʰai- ('to divide').
The verb 'deal' has been used since Old English to describe the action of dividing or distributing. The noun usage, meaning an agreement or transaction, developed later.
Memory tip
Think of a card game where cards are 'dealt' to each player.
Word Origin
"to divide, share"