Borrow — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈbär-(ˌ)ō/ bor·row

Meaning & Definition of Borrow

Borrow (verb)

  1. to receive with the implied or expressed intention of returning the same or an equivalent
  2. to borrow (money) with the intention of returning the same plus interest
  3. to appropriate for one's own use

Borrow (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to take for one's own use (something originated by another)

    "borrowed the basic plot from a book of tales, but put her personal stamp on the story"

    similar: adopt, embrace, espouse, take on, take up, pick up on
    related: domesticate, naturalize, appropriate, arrogate, take over, usurp, absorb, assimilate, incorporate, quote, cherish, prize, treasure, cultivate, follow, heed, honor, use, utilize, bring up, foster, nurture, raise, rear, affect, assume, copy, imitate, pretend, put on, simulate
    near: abandon, forsake, give up, relinquish, surrender, abjure, abnegate, disown, reject, renounce, repudiate, spurn, discard, jettison, junk, throw away, throw out

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Borrow

The most common words with a similar meaning to Borrow:

adopt, embrace, espouse, take on, take up, pick up on

Related Words for Borrow

domesticate, naturalize, appropriate, arrogate, take over, usurp, absorb, assimilate, incorporate, quote, cherish, prize, treasure, cultivate, follow, heed, honor, use, utilize, bring up, foster, nurture, raise, rear, affect, assume, copy, imitate, pretend, put on

Near Antonyms of Borrow

abandon, forsake, give up, relinquish, surrender, abjure, abnegate, disown, reject, renounce, repudiate, spurn, discard, jettison, junk, throw away, throw out

Word Forms of Borrow

Inflections: borrowed, borrowing, borrows

Derived words: borrower (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Borrow

Middle English borwen, from Old English borgian; akin to Old English beorgan to preserve bury

First known use: before 12th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Borrow

Words & Phrases Containing Borrow

borrow pit, borrow trouble, borrow a page from, beg, borrow, or/and steal, borrow/take a page from someone, borrow/take a page from someone's book, take/borrow a leaf out of someone's book

Frequently Asked Questions about Borrow

What does "Borrow" mean?

"Borrow" means to receive with the implied or expressed intention of returning the same or an equivalent. As a verb, it is defined as: to receive with the implied or expressed intention of returning the same or an equivalent.

What is another word for "Borrow"?

Other words for "Borrow" include adopt, embrace, espouse, take on, take up and pick up on. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Borrow" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Borrow"?

There are 37 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Borrow". Common alternatives include adopt, embrace, espouse, take on, take up and pick up on.

How do you use "Borrow" in a sentence?

Examples of "Borrow" in a sentence: "borrowed the basic plot from a book of tales, but put her personal stamp on the story".

Is "Borrow" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Borrow" is a verb.

Is "Borrow" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Borrow" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Borrow"?

"Borrow" is pronounced /ˈbär-(ˌ)ō/ and divided into syllables as bor·row.

What is the origin of the word "Borrow"?

"Borrow" comes from Middle English borwen, from Old English borgian; akin to Old English beorgan to preserve bury. First known use: before 12th centuryt.