B2verb1K

Owe

UK /["/əʊ/","/əʊz/","/əʊd/","/ˈəʊɪŋ/"]/US /["/əʊ/","/əʊz/","/əʊd/","/ˈəʊɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to have to pay somebody for something that you have already received or return money that you have borrowed

In simple words: To need to pay someone money or to feel that you should do something for someone.

Examples

  • I owe you twenty dollars for the concert tickets.
  • He owes his success to hard work and determination.
  • Do you still owe your friend that book?
  • They owe it to their team to give their best effort.
  • I owe my parents a visit since I haven't seen them in ages.

Usage notes

Use 'owe' when talking about debts, favors, or responsibilities. It's neutral and appropriate in most contexts. Avoid it in overly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

owe + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'oh'! Imagine someone saying 'Oh, I owe you money!'

Collocations

  • owe money
  • owe someone a favor
  • owe a debt
  • owe it to someone

Synonyms

  • debt
  • be in debt
  • be obligated
  • liability

Antonyms

  • receive
  • pay off

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'owe' with 'own'.
  • 'Owe' is often misused with wrong prepositions.
  • Using 'owe' incorrectly in past tense without 'owned'.