easy
I owe Sam one dollar.
What does Owe mean?
Owe means to need to pay back or return something.
Dictionary definition
To need to pay money, return something, or give something because it is due.
Example sentences
Owe in a sentence
medium
You owe the library the book you borrowed.
hard
The character felt she owed her friend an apology.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice owe in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Owe
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does owe mean?
The correct sentence uses owe in context.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to owe?
Be In Debt is close in meaning to owe.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses owe correctly?
The correct sentence uses owe in context.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Owe
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WordOwe.
Partverb.
MeaningOwe means to need to pay back or return something.
ExampleExample: I owe Sam one dollar.
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Synonyms
Words like Owe
be in debtUse when someone needs to pay money back.
be dueUse when something should be paid or given.
Antonyms
Opposite words
repayUse when money or something owed is given back.
settleUse when a debt or duty is completed.
Synonym practice
Want to practice owe synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "I owe Maya one pencil after borrowing hers," then compare close word choices. Practice owe synonyms.
Word family
Owe word family
Base word
owe
verb
owes
Needs to pay or return now.
verb
owed
Needed to pay or return in the past.
verb
owing
Needing to pay or return.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Owe
Hint for students
Owe means to need to pay back or return something.
Common mix-up
Owe is not the same as repay. Owe means owe means to need to pay back or return something.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: You owe the library the book you borrowed. Clue words: you, library, book. Underline clue words that show direction, order, or position. Now write one new sentence that shows owe without using the word owe. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show owe?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "You owe the library the book you borrowed." Why does owe fit better than repay?
Learning activities
Practice Owe and explore more word games
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Practice OWE
Sentence Builder
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