Skip to main content

borrow — to take and use something that belongs to someone else with the intention of returning it

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to take and use something that belongs to someone else with the intention of returning it

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbɑːroʊ/

Example Sentences

  • My neighbor always borrows sugar but never returns the container.
  • Students often borrow textbooks from seniors to save money.
  • He borrowed his dad's car and returned it with an empty gas tank.

borrow

VERB

[/ˈbɑːroʊ/]

to take and use something that belongs to someone else with the intention of returning it

She went to borrow a book from her neighbor for the weekend.
💡 Concept

She went to borrow a book from her neighbor for the weekend.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈbɑːroʊ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈbɒrəʊ/

🌳Etymology

Rootborrow

Origin

Borrow derives from Old English 'borgian', meaning 'to lend' or 'to be surety for'. The word shares common ancestry with Germanic language family members and originally carried the sense of providing security or guarantee for a loan.

Breakdown

Old English borgian (to lend, pledge as security) → Middle English borwen → Modern English borrow. The root relates to Proto-Germanic *borg- (pledge, security), reflecting the original sense of assuming responsibility.

🎵Rhyme

tomorrow
sorrow
narrow

🔗Collocations

borrow money
borrow from the library
borrow heavily
borrow against
borrow trouble

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My neighbor always borrows sugar but never returns the container.”

“Students often borrow textbooks from seniors to save money.”

😄 Fun example

“He borrowed his dad's car and returned it with an empty gas tank.”

“Can I borrow your phone charger? Mine is broken.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.