The word “bill” is a versatile term in the English language, widely used in various contexts such as finance, law, and everyday communication. Understanding the bill meaning is essential for grasping both casual and formal conversations, as it can refer to a payment request, a legislative proposal, or even a bird’s beak. This article explores the definition, synonyms, examples, and history of “bill” to provide a comprehensive guide.
Definition (Meaning)
The term “bill” primarily refers to a statement of money owed for goods or services, often presented as an invoice or receipt. It can also mean a draft of a proposed law presented to a legislative body or, in a different context, the beak of a bird.
Synonyms
Depending on the context, synonyms for “bill” include invoice, statement, account, receipt (for financial use), proposal, draft (for legislative use), and beak or nib (for the bird-related meaning).
Examples of bill in a Sentence
- I received a bill for my electricity usage this month, and it was higher than expected.
- The senator introduced a new bill to improve public transportation in the city.
- The bird used its sharp bill to peck at the seeds on the ground.
Word History
The word “bill” has origins dating back to the Old English “bile,” meaning beak, which is linked to its use for a bird’s mouthpart. Its financial meaning evolved from the Latin “bulla,” referring to a seal or document, which later influenced Middle English to denote a written statement or account. Over time, its legislative sense emerged in the context of formal written proposals in governance.