public sale
public sale — noun
1. an event, often arranged by a court, bank, or government authority, where items
an event, often arranged by a court, bank, or government authority, where items such as houses, land, or valuable goods are sold to the person who offers to pay the most money.
The old factory was sold at a public sale after the company went bankrupt.
passive: was + sold + at a public sale
Shirin bought a used piano at a public sale held by the city government.
public sale + held by [authority]
The court ordered a public sale of the artist's paintings to cover her unpaid taxes.
João bought his first apartment at a public sale far below the market price.
Feng's stamp collection was divided into separate lots for the public sale next month.
- auction
a more general term for any sale where items go to the highest bidder
- public auction
nearly identical in meaning; slightly more formal and explicit
- private sale
a sale arranged directly between a seller and a buyer, not through an open auction
文法句型
public sale + of + [item/property]
at + a + public sale
hold + a + public sale
用法筆記
This term is most common in legal, financial, and real estate contexts. It refers specifically to an auction-style sale, not a discounted promotion at a retail store.