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.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
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
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“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.”
“Can I borrow your phone charger? Mine is broken.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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