A2verb1K

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

Meaning of Borrow

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

Borrow in a sentence

  • 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.

How to use Borrow

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.

Related words

Synonyms for Borrow

Opposites of Borrow

Common mistakes with Borrow

  • 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'

Compare Borrow with Take, Use, Acquire, Obtain

Borrow appears in

Borrow in other languages

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Frequently asked questions about Borrow

What does Borrow mean?

To take something from someone with the promise to give it back later.

What is the definition of Borrow?

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

How do you use Borrow in a sentence?

Can I borrow your pen for a moment?

Can you give another example of Borrow?

He decided to borrow some money from his friend.

What are synonyms for Borrow?

Common alternatives include take, use, acquire, obtain.

What is the opposite of Borrow?

Opposite meanings include lend, return.

What words go with Borrow?

It commonly pairs with heavily, from, off, heavily, from, off, freely, from.

What are common mistakes when using Borrow?

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'

How do you pronounce Borrow?

US: /["/ˈbɔːrəʊ/","/ˈbɔːrəʊz/","/ˈbɔːrəʊd/","/ˈbɔːrəʊɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈbɒrəʊ/","/ˈbɒrəʊz/","/ˈbɒrəʊd/","/ˈbɒrəʊɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Borrow?

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

What CEFR level is Borrow?

"Borrow" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.