easy
May I borrow your ruler until the end of class?
What does Borrow mean?
Borrow means to receive and use something that you plan to return or repay.
Dictionary definition
To take or receive something for a time and return or repay it later; also, to adopt a word, idea, or style from another source.
Example sentences
Borrow in a sentence
medium
Families can borrow books from the library for three weeks.
medium
The club borrowed money to replace its damaged equipment.
hard
English has borrowed many words from other languages.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice borrow in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Commonly confused words
Borrow or lend?
Compare the meanings, then choose a word for each new sentence.
Borrow
To receive and use something that you plan to return or repay.
In a sentence I will borrow a ruler from Mia.
Lend
To give something for a time and expect it to be returned or repaid.
In a sentence Mia will lend a ruler to me.
Spot the difference Borrow describes receiving something temporarily; lend describes giving it temporarily. A borrower gets something from a lender, who gives it to the borrower.
Which word fits?
Choose borrow or lend for each blank. Say your answer, then check why it fits.
1Could I ___ your ruler for this lesson?
Check answer 1
borrow — The speaker wants to receive the ruler temporarily.
2Could you ___ your ruler to me for this lesson?
Check answer 2
lend — The owner is asked to give the ruler temporarily.
Make it your ownTry the word in a sentence about your day.
Write a sentence with borrowQuick practice
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Practice the meaning of Borrow
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does borrow usually mean?
The borrower receives the item for a time and is expected to return it.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses borrow correctly?
A person borrows something from its owner; the owner lends it to that person.
Practice 3
Choose the clearest verb: Students may ___ two books from the library.
The students receive the books temporarily, so they borrow them.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Borrow
Voice settings
Sounds like
bah · roh · strongest beat: bah
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordBorrow.
Partverb.
MeaningBorrow means to receive and use something that you plan to return or repay.
ExampleExample: May I borrow your ruler until the end of class?
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- bah · roh
- Strongest beat
- bah
- Ending
- roh
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on bah.
Your turn
Say Borrow
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Nice work—you practiced borrow.
Synonyms
Words like Borrow
take on loanUse for receiving money or an item that must be repaid or returned.
use temporarilyA broad phrase for using someone else’s item for a limited time.
adoptUse for taking a word, idea, method, or style from another source.
Antonym review
Does Borrow have an opposite?
Lend names the other person’s role in the same temporary transfer, not a true opposite action. Return and repay describe what normally happens later.
Synonym practice
Want to practice borrow synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "I will borrow a pencil until mine is sharpened," then compare close word choices. Practice borrow synonyms.
Word family
Borrow word family
Base word
borrow
verb
borrows
The present-tense form used with he, she, or it.
verb
borrowed
The regular past-tense and past-participle form.
noun
borrowing
The act or practice of receiving something to use and later return or repay.
noun
borrower
A person or organization that borrows.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Borrow
Hint for students
If the subject receives the item, use borrow. The usual pattern is borrow something from someone.
Common mix-up
Borrow and lend describe the same temporary transfer from different sides. You borrow something from a person; that person lends it to you. In informal British English, borrow something off someone also occurs.
Try it in class or at home
Pairs label one student owner and the other receiver, then describe three temporary exchanges twice: once with lend and once with borrow. They switch roles and check the prepositions to and from.
Teacher prompt
Use one pencil transfer to model both viewpoints: “The teacher lends the pencil to Noor” and “Noor borrows the pencil from the teacher.” Who gives, and who receives?
Word Wheel
Practice with the School Words Wheel
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Learning activities
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