be in debt — to owe money; to have borrowed money that has not been paid back
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to owe money; to have borrowed money that has not been paid back
Pronunciation (IPA): /bi ɪn det/
Example Sentences
- My friend claimed he wasn't in debt, but his credit card was declined when buying a $3 coffee.
- She's been in debt ever since she discovered online shopping and same-day delivery.
- Many students are in debt after completing their university education.
be in debt
NOUN[/bi ɪn det/]
to owe money; to have borrowed money that has not been paid back
After medical bills piled up, the young couple realized they were deeply in debt.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'debt' derives from Latin 'debitum' (something owed), the past participle of 'debere' (to owe, to be obligated). It entered English through Old French 'dette' during the medieval period.
Breakdown
de- (completely, away) + habere (to have) → debitum (that which is owed). The phrase 'be in debt' combines the verb 'be' with 'debt', meaning to be in a state of owing money or obligations to another.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My friend claimed he wasn't in debt, but his credit card was declined when buying a $3 coffee.”
“She's been in debt ever since she discovered online shopping and same-day delivery.”
“Many students are in debt after completing their university education.”
“The company has been in debt for three consecutive years due to poor management.”
📚Related Words
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