Borrow is a word that is commonly used in everyday language, but what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of borrow, its origin, synonyms and antonyms, and its associations.
Definitions
Borrow is a verb that means to take and use something that belongs to someone else with the intention of returning it. It can also refer to the act of obtaining money from a bank or other financial institution with the agreement to pay it back with interest.
Origin
The word borrow comes from the Old English word borgian, which means to lend or borrow. It is related to the Old Norse word borga, which means to borrow or pledge.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, borrow means “to take and use (something belonging to someone else) with the intention of returning it.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to receive with the implied or expressed intention of returning the same or an equivalent.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to get or receive something from someone with the intention of giving it back after a period of time.”
Associations
Borrow is often associated with borrowing books from a library, borrowing money from a bank, or borrowing a friend’s car. It can also be associated with the concept of debt, as borrowing money usually involves paying it back with interest.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of borrow include lend, take, use, acquire, and obtain.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of borrow include lend, give, donate, and contribute.
The same root words
Some words that have the same root as borrow include borrower, borrowed, and borrowing.
Example Sentences
- I need to borrow your car to go to the grocery store.
- Can I borrow some money from you to pay my rent?.
- She borrowed a book from the library and returned it two weeks later.
- He borrowed a pen from his coworker to sign the document.
- The company is borrowing money from the bank to expand its business.