A2verb1K

Borrow

UK /["/ˈbɒrəʊ/","/ˈbɒrəʊz/","/ˈbɒrəʊd/","/ˈbɒrəʊɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈbɔːrəʊ/","/ˈbɔːrəʊz/","/ˈbɔːrəʊd/","/ˈbɔːrəʊɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to take and use something that belongs to somebody else, and return it to them at a later time

In simple words: To take something from someone with the promise to give it back later.

Examples

  • Can I borrow your pen for a moment?
  • He decided to borrow some money from his friend.
  • She asked if she could borrow a book from the library.
  • They often borrow ideas from other cultures.
  • You should not borrow things without asking first.

Usage notes

Commonly used in everyday conversation. Appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using when referring to permanent possession.

Grammar pattern

borrow + object

Memory hint

Think of 'borrow' as 'bore row' — imagine a boat row that bores through and brings back what it took.

Collocations

  • heavily
  • from
  • off
  • heavily
  • from
  • off
  • freely
  • from

Synonyms

  • take
  • use
  • acquire
  • obtain

Antonyms

  • lend
  • return

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'borrow' with 'lend' (you borrow from someone, you lend to someone)
  • Using 'borrow' without specifying the item being borrowed
  • Saying 'borrow to' instead of 'borrow from'