Borrow

Definition

Borrow is a verb that means to take and use something belonging to someone else with the intention of returning it. It is often associated with temporary use or loan.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbɑːroʊ/
• Respelling: BAR-oh

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbɒrəʊ/
• Respelling: BOR-oh

Etymology

The word "borrow" originates from the Old English "borgian," meaning "to lend" or "to take as a loan." It is related to the Old Norse "borga," meaning "to guarantee," and is rooted in Germanic languages. Over time, it evolved to mean taking something temporarily with the intention of returning it.

Derivatives

• Borrowed (adjective)
• Borrower (noun)
• Borrowing (noun/verb)
• Reborrow (verb)
• Unborrowed (adjective)

Synonyms

• Take
• Loan
• Use

Antonyms

• Return
• Lend
• Give

Usage

The term "borrow" is used when taking something from another person or entity with the understanding that it will be returned. For example, "She asked to borrow a pen," or "He borrowed a book from the library."

Related Terms

• Lend: To give something temporarily with the expectation of it being returned.
• Loan: Something that is borrowed, especially a sum of money.
• Lease: A contractual agreement where one party gives something for temporary use.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To take and use something belonging to someone else with the intention of returning it: Refers to temporarily using someone else’s property.
  • Example: "Can I borrow your book for the weekend?"
• To adopt or take over something from another source: Often used figuratively to mean incorporating or adopting ideas, words, or practices from another culture or field.
  • Example: "Many English words are borrowed from Latin."