Buy

Definition

Buy is a verb that means to acquire something in exchange for money. It can also be used as a noun to describe a good purchase or a worthwhile acquisition.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /baɪ/
• Respelling: bye

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /baɪ/
• Respelling: bye

Etymology

The word "buy" originates from the Old English "bycgan," meaning "to purchase" or "acquire," which has Proto-Germanic roots in "*bugjan." Over time, it retained its meaning of obtaining something in exchange for money or goods.

Derivatives

• Buyer (noun)
• Buying (noun/verb)
• Buyable (adjective)
• Buyout (noun)
• Rebuy (verb)

Synonyms

• Purchase
• Acquire
• Obtain

Antonyms

• Sell
• Dispose
• Forfeit

Usage

The verb "buy" is commonly used to describe the action of acquiring items or services by paying money, as in "She decided to buy a new car." The noun form describes a purchase that is considered valuable, for example, "That car was a good buy."

Related Terms

• Sell: To give or exchange something in return for money.
• Purchase: The action or process of buying something.
• Acquisition: An asset or object bought or obtained.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To acquire something by paying money: Refers to the act of purchasing goods or services in exchange for money.
  • Example: "He went to the store to buy groceries."
• To believe or accept an idea (informal): Used informally to mean accepting or believing a concept or story.
  • Example: "She didn’t buy his excuse."

Noun

• A purchase considered a good value: Refers to an acquisition that is deemed worthwhile or advantageous.
  • Example: "This smartphone was a great buy for the price."