What does an offer in a contract represent?

An offer in a contract represents an initial promise to complete an action. It is the first step in the creation of a contract and outlines the willingness of one party to enter into a legal agreement, specifying the terms of the action they propose to undertake. For an offer to lead to a binding contract, it must be accepted by the other party, at which point it becomes a mutual agreement with both parties' consent.

This concept is fundamental in contract law, as the offer must be clear and communicated to the other party, who then has the option to accept, reject, or negotiate the terms. The offer itself is not a final agreement, as it requires acceptance to become fully enforceable.