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borrow

[ˈbɑːrəʊ]

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

Synonyms for borrow

Antonyms for borrow

Phrases with borrow

  • to worry unnecessarily or create problems by imagining negative outcomes

    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'

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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.

How do native speakers use this expression?