borrow
/ˈbɒr.əʊ/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To take something from someone for a short time, with the idea of giving it back later. You do not pay for it, but you must return it.
- Can I borrow your pen for a minute?
- She borrowed a novel from the library.
- I borrowed money from my brother.
Adinary Nuance
Borrow is used from the taker's side; lend is used from the giver's side. You borrow a book from someone, but you lend a book to someone. In careful writing and exams, choosing the right one matters a lot.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- mượn
- Spanish
- pedir prestado
- Chinese
- 借
- Japanese
- 借りる
- Korean
- 빌리다
Etymology
Borrow comes from Old English 'borgian', meaning to lend or pledge. It has been used in English since before the 12th century.
Common phrases
borrow moneyborrow a bookborrow timeborrow from someone
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between borrow and lend?
- Borrow means to take from someone. Lend means to give something to someone for a short time.
- Is borrow used in formal writing?
- Yes. It is common in both formal and everyday English.
- Can I say borrow from someone?
- Yes. You usually say borrow something from someone.