Borrowing: meaning, definitions and examples

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borrowing

[ˈbɒrəʊɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

finance

The act of taking money or goods from someone with the intention of returning it in the future.

Synonyms

advance, debt, loan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
borrowing	Used when referring to the action of taking something (usually money) from someone with the intention of returning it. Common in casual conversations and everyday situations. I'm borrowing my friend's bike for the weekend She needed some extra cash, so she's borrowing money from her parents
loan	This term is commonly used when discussing a formal arrangement in which money is borrowed with an agreement to be paid back, usually with interest. It is frequent in financial or business contexts. She took out a loan to buy a new car The bank approved his loan application for his new business
debt	This word has a negative connotation and refers to the state of owing money to someone or an institution. It is often used in financial discussions. He is drowning in credit card debt The company is trying to pay off its debt to the bank
advance	Usually involves receiving money ahead of the usual time, such as a salary advance or an advance on a project. Often used in professional or formal settings. She asked for an advance on her salary to cover unexpected expenses The author received an advance from the publisher for her next book

Examples of usage

I made a borrowing from the bank to start my business.
She needed a borrowing to pay for her education.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

linguistics

The process of adopting words or expressions from another language.

Synonyms

adoption, import, incorporation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
borrowing	When referring to taking something with the intention of giving it back later. Common in financial contexts or when referring to ideas and practices taken temporarily. He made a quick borrowing from his friend to pay the bill. The novel makes extensive borrowing from classical literature.
adoption	When referring to the act of taking something as one's own, often permanently. Commonly used in contexts like adopting a child, a pet, or new practices and ideas. Their family is excited about the adoption of a new puppy. The global adoption of digital technology is transforming industries.
incorporation	When referring to including something as part of a larger whole, often officially or legally. Common in business, legal, and formal contexts. The incorporation of new technologies has boosted productivity. The incorporation of the town was officially recognized last year.
import	When referring to bringing goods or ideas from one place to another, particularly from one country to another. Common in business, trade, and economic contexts. The company imports electronics from Japan. The import of foreign cultural practices can enrich local traditions.

Examples of usage

The English language has many borrowings from French.
The term 'sushi' is a borrowing from Japanese.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

library

The act of temporarily taking a book or other material from a library.

Synonyms

checkout, lending, loan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
borrowing	This generally refers to taking something temporarily with the intention of returning it. It can be used in various situations such as borrowing money, books, or tools. She is borrowing a book from the library John is borrowing $50 from his friend
loan	Often used in financial contexts to refer to borrowed money that is expected to be paid back with interest. It can also refer to borrowing other items, but it is more formal. He took out a loan to buy a car The library offers a two-week loan period for books
checkout	Commonly used in retail settings or when dealing with libraries. It refers to the process of borrowing an item, especially books or equipment, and recording the transaction. You need to checkout this book before leaving the library There is a self-checkout machine for easier service
lending	This refers to giving something to someone temporarily with the expectation that it will be returned. This term is usually from the perspective of the person giving the item. She is lending her bicycle to her neighbor The bank is lending money to small businesses

Examples of usage

I returned the borrowing to the library before the due date.
The librarian reminded me about the upcoming return date for my borrowing.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'borrow' comes from the Old English 'borgian', meaning to pledge or promise.
In Middle English, 'borowe' was used to describe the act of lending or taking something temporarily.
The concept of borrowing has been present in the English language since the Anglo-Saxon period, highlighting the long history of communal sharing.

Economics

Borrowing is essential for personal finance; individuals often take loans for homes, cars, or education, helping them make large purchases without immediate full payment.
On a larger scale, countries borrow from each other to finance infrastructure and public services, showcasing global economic interdependence.
Interest rates are typically applied to borrowing, meaning an extra cost is incurred over time, influencing financial decisions.

Psychology

The act of borrowing can create a sense of trust and cooperation in relationships, as it often relies on mutual agreement and understanding.
People might feel anxious about borrowing due to the pressure of returning items or honoring debts, reflecting how societal expectations influence behavior.
Studies suggest that borrowing can impact self-worth, as individuals may feel indebted or more connected, depending on the context of the transaction.

Literature

In many fairy tales and folklore, borrowing often leads to adventures or important lessons when characters encounter the consequences of their actions.
Borrowing themes can be seen in modern literature as characters navigate friendships, exploring the trust and obligations that come with sharing.
Books like 'The Borrowers' by Mary Norton depict a world where small people borrow from humans, highlighting the imaginative scenarios involving lending and borrowing.

Cultural Practices

In various cultures, borrowing is celebrated as a communal act, where neighbors or family members lend items, fostering community ties and support.
Some cultures have formal practices or ceremonies surrounding borrowing, illustrating the importance of respect and gratitude in returning borrowed items.
Digital lending platforms reflect modern borrowing practices, where individuals can borrow e-books, games, or tools, adapting to technological changes.

Translations

Translations of the word "borrowing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 empréstimo

🇮🇳 उधार लेना

🇩🇪 Ausleihe

🇮🇩 peminjaman

🇺🇦 позика

🇵🇱 pożyczka

🇯🇵 借り入れ

🇫🇷 emprunt

🇪🇸 préstamo

🇹🇷 borçlanma

🇰🇷 대출

🇸🇦 اقتراض

🇨🇿 půjčka

🇸🇰 pôžička

🇨🇳 借款

🇸🇮 posojilo

🇮🇸 lán

🇰🇿 қарыз

🇬🇪 სესხი

🇦🇿 borc

🇲🇽 préstamo

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,093 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6090 practiced
6091 borrow
6092 geological
6093 borrowing
6094 privately
6095 controversial
6096 generic
...