bidden: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Literary, Historical
Quick answer
What does “bidden” mean?
The past participle of the verb 'bid,' meaning to command, order, invite, or offer a certain price.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The past participle of the verb 'bid,' meaning to command, order, invite, or offer a certain price.
Can refer to being invited, commanded, or having offered a price at an auction. In a historical or literary context, it can mean 'ordered' or 'invited'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In auction/competitive contexts, 'bid' and 'bidden' are standard in both. In the sense of 'invited' or 'commanded', 'bidden' is more common in UK historical/literary texts. 'Bid' (e.g., 'He bid farewell') is also an acceptable past participle in both, but 'bidden' adds formality/clarity.
Connotations
In both, carries a formal, old-fashioned, or literary tone. No strong negative or positive connotations inherent.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday speech in both regions. Slightly higher occurrence in UK legal, historical, or ceremonial language.
Grammar
How to Use “bidden” in a Sentence
[be] bidden to [VERB infinitive][have] bidden [AMOUNT][be] bidden [into/inside]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bidden” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She had bidden a high sum for the antique vase.
- The guests were bidden to enter the hall.
American English
- He had bidden on several properties before winning one.
- We were bidden farewell with great ceremony.
adjective
British English
- The bidden guests assembled in the drawing room.
- A word to the wise is enough, bidden or not.
American English
- Only the bidden few were allowed backstage.
- His bidden advice was finally heeded.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In auction reports: 'The final price bidden was £10,000.'
Academic
In historical texts: 'The knights were bidden to attend the king.'
Everyday
Rarely used in casual conversation. Might appear in formal invitations: 'You are bidden to a celebration.'
Technical
Used in law or formal protocols: 'Witnesses were bidden to remain silent.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bidden”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bidden”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bidden”
- Using 'bidded' (incorrect) instead of 'bid' or 'bidden'.
- Confusing 'He was bidden' (past participle) with 'He bade' (simple past).
- Overusing in modern informal contexts where 'told' or 'asked' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but primarily in formal, literary, historical, or specific contexts like auctions. It is not common in everyday casual speech.
'Bade' is the simple past tense (e.g., 'He bade me farewell'). 'Bidden' is the past participle, used with auxiliary verbs (e.g., 'I have bidden', 'She was bidden to leave').
In some contexts, yes, especially in auction settings ('I have bid £200') or with certain meanings ('He had bid farewell'). 'Bidden' is often preferred for clarity or formality, particularly for the 'command/invite' meanings.
No. While it is standard in auction contexts, its older and more literary meanings relate to being commanded or invited. The auction use is a specific application of the 'offer a price' meaning of 'bid'.
The past participle of the verb 'bid,' meaning to command, order, invite, or offer a certain price.
Bidden is usually formal, literary, historical in register.
Bidden: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɪd.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɪd.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Do as you're bidden”
- “A word bidden is enough”
- “Last bidden, first forgotten”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'I was BID to come, so I have BIDDEN my time and come.' Links 'bid' (command/invite) to its formal past form.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMAND IS A FORCE (He was bidden by a superior will), INVITATION IS A SUMMONS (bidden to the feast).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bidden' LEAST likely to be used?