A1verb1K

Buy

UK /["/baɪ/","/baɪz/","/bɔːt/","/ˈbaɪɪŋ/"]/US /["/baɪ/","/baɪz/","/bɔːt/","/ˈbaɪɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to obtain something by paying money for it

In simple words: To get something by paying money for it.

Examples

  • I want to buy a new bicycle for the summer.
  • Can you buy some milk on your way home?
  • She decided to buy a gift for her friend's birthday.
  • They went to the store to buy groceries.
  • Do you want to buy tickets for the concert?

Usage notes

Commonly used in everyday situations. Suitable for both spoken and written language. Avoid in very formal contexts where alternatives like 'purchase' may be preferred.

Grammar pattern

buy + object

Memory hint

Think of 'buy' as 'bring home using your money'.

Collocations

  • cheaply
  • online
  • locally
  • can afford to
  • can’t afford to
  • at
  • for
  • from
  • buy and sell
  • money can buy
  • money can’t buy
  • cheaply
  • online
  • locally
  • can afford to
  • can’t afford to
  • at
  • for
  • from
  • buy and sell
  • money can buy
  • money can’t buy

Synonyms

  • purchase
  • acquire
  • obtain
  • procure
  • snap up

Antonyms

  • sell
  • give away

Common mistakes

  • Used with wrong prepositions, e.g., 'buy for a car' instead of 'buy a car'.
  • Confusion between 'buy' and 'sale'.
  • Omitting the object, e.g., saying 'I want to buy.' instead of 'I want to buy a book.'