Bills are an essential part of our daily lives. They are a form of payment that we use to settle our debts and obligations. From utility bills to medical bills, we encounter them in various forms. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bills, their origin, and associations.
Definitions
Bills are a written or printed statement of money owed for goods or services provided. They are a formal request for payment issued by a vendor or service provider to a customer or client. Bills can be for a one-time payment or recurring payments, such as monthly bills for rent, electricity, or phone services.
Origin
The word “bill” comes from the Latin “bulla,” which means a round object or seal. The term was used in medieval times to describe a sealed document that contained a list of goods or services provided, along with their prices. These documents were used in trade and commerce, and they evolved into the bills we use today.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a bill is “a written or printed statement of charges for goods or services rendered, sent to a purchaser or client.” Merriam-Webster defines a bill as “a statement of money owed for goods or services.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a document that shows how much money you owe someone for goods or services.”
Associations
Bills are often associated with financial transactions and obligations. They can be a source of stress, especially when they pile up and become overwhelming. However, bills are also a necessary part of our financial responsibilities and can help us track our expenses and manage our budget.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bills include invoice, statement, account, tab, and check.
Antonyms
Antonyms of bills include credit, refund, and rebate.
The same root words
Some words with the same root as bills include bulletin, bullion, and bullfight.
Example Sentences
- I received a bill for my monthly phone service.
- The restaurant gave us the bill after our meal.
- I need to pay my medical bills from my recent surgery.
- The vendor sent me an invoice for the goods I purchased.
- I disputed the charges on my credit card bill.