Debt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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debt
[dษt ]
Definitions
financial
Something, typically money, that is owed or due.
Synonyms
indebtedness, liability, obligation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| debt |
Used in everyday language to refer to money that one person or entity owes to another.
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| obligation |
Used to refer to a duty or commitment to do something, often in both moral and financial contexts.
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| liability |
Used in both legal and financial contexts to refer to obligations that someone is responsible for, often broader than just owing money.
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| indebtedness |
Used in formal or financial contexts to describe the state of owing money or feeling gratitude.
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Examples of usage
- He is struggling to pay off his debts.
- She incurred a large debt after buying a new car.
emotional
A feeling of gratitude for a service or favor.
Synonyms
appreciation, gratitude, thankfulness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| debt |
This word is used when someone owes money or another obligation to someone else. It often has a negative connotation.
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| gratitude |
This term is best used to express thankfulness and sincere recognition of something someone has done for you or given to you.
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| appreciation |
Use this word to express recognition and enjoyment of someone's qualities, contributions, or efforts in a positive way.
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| thankfulness |
Use this word to convey a general sense of thankfulness and appreciation for various positive aspects or blessings in life.
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Examples of usage
- I owe you a debt of gratitude for your help.
- She felt a deep debt to her mentor for guiding her career.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that people often feel psychological distress when in debt, as it can affect their mental well-being.
- The 'debt paradox' illustrates how borrowing can lead to increased spending but also financial stress.
- Being in debt can affect oneโs self-esteem, often leading to shame or anxiety in social situations.
Economics
- National debts can indicate a country's economic health and its ability to manage finances.
- Debts can be classified into secured (backed by collateral) and unsecured (not backed by an asset).
- Credit scores, which impact borrowing, are influenced by how well someone manages their existing debts.
Literature
- In literature, debt often serves as a metaphor for personal struggles, as seen in Charles Dickens' works where characters grapple with financial burdens.
- Shakespeare explored themes of debt and obligation in plays, reflecting societal views of his time.
- Modern literature often depicts debt as a critical issue faced by protagonists, highlighting moral dilemmas and consequences.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'The Big Short' and 'Debt: The First 5,000 Years' explore the complexities and impact of debt on society.
- Songs often reflect themes of debt, such as 'I Owe You Nothing' by the band Busted, portraying financial frustration.
- Television shows frequently include plotlines about characters dealing with debt, illustrating its prevalence in everyday life.
Origin of 'debt'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'debt' comes from the Latin word 'debere,' which means 'to owe'.
- In Middle English, 'debt' was borrowed from the French 'dette', showing the transition of the term through languages.
- The letter 'b' in 'debt' is silent, a quirk that dates back to the word's Latin roots.
The word 'debt' originated from the Old French word 'dete', which came from the Latin word 'debitum', meaning 'what is owed' or 'a debt'. The concept of debt has been present in human societies for centuries, with various forms of debt arrangements existing in different cultures throughout history. In modern times, debt plays a significant role in the economy, finance, and individual financial management.
See also: debtholder, debtor, debts, indebted, indebtedness.