borrow Definition
take and use (something belonging to someone else) with the intention of returning it..
Using borrow: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "borrow" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Can I borrow your pen?
Example
She borrowed some money from her friend.
Example
I need to borrow a car for the weekend.
Example
He borrowed my book and hasn't returned it yet.
borrow Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with borrow
Example
Don't borrow trouble by assuming that you won't get the job before you even apply.
a period of time that is expected to end soon, especially because of an impending danger or threat
Example
The company is operating on borrowed time, as they are facing bankruptcy in the next few months.
the use of something unrelated to attract attention or create interest in something else
Example
The advertisement used borrowed interest by featuring a famous celebrity to promote their product.
Origins of borrow
from Old English 'borgian', meaning 'to lend, be surety for'
Summary: borrow in Brief
The verb 'borrow' [ˈbɑːrəʊ] means to take and use something belonging to someone else with the intention of returning it. It can refer to anything from pens to cars, as in 'Can I borrow your pen?' or 'I need to borrow a car for the weekend.' 'Borrow' also has idiomatic expressions like 'borrow trouble,' which means to worry unnecessarily, and 'borrowed time,' which refers to a period of time that is expected to end soon.