Owe: meaning, definitions and examples

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owe

[ əʊ ]

Verb

Oxford 3000

^{Context #1 | Verb}

financial

To be under an obligation to pay or repay money to someone, typically as a result of borrowing or overspending.

Synonyms

be in arrears to, be in debt to, be indebted to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
owe	This appears to be a duplicate of the first word. Typically used for owing money or a favor to someone. You owe me an explanation She owes him a lot for his help
be indebted to	Conveys a sense of gratitude or obligation, often used in a formal or appreciative context. It can also refer to financial debts. I am forever indebted to you for your guidance The country is indebted to the international community
be in arrears to	Refers specifically to being late on payments, often used in a formal context such as legal or financial documents. She is in arrears to the landlord for three months' rent The company is in arrears to its suppliers
be in debt to	Used when someone has borrowed money or resources and has not yet repaid them. This term can apply to both financial and moral debts. He is in debt to the bank for his student loans She felt deeply in debt to her parents for their support

Examples of usage

I owe my friend $20 for lunch.
She owes the bank a large sum of money.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

favor

To be under a moral or social obligation to give someone something or to do something for them.

Synonyms

be beholden to, be obligated to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
owe	This term is typically used in everyday situations to express that you need to repay money or a favor. It's the most common and neutral term. I owe you $20. I owe my success to my mentor.
be obligated to	This term is used to indicate a sense of duty or responsibility, likely due to an agreement or a rule. It’s more formal and often used in legal, professional, or ethical contexts. As an employee, you are obligated to follow the company’s policies. I am obligated to inform you about the changes in the contract.
be beholden to	This phrase is often used in formal or literary contexts to indicate a sense of gratitude or moral duty to someone for a favor or help received. It can also imply a degree of subordination. She felt beholden to her aunt for the financial support. He was beholden to them for their hospitality.

Word

Description / Examples

owe

This term is typically used in everyday situations to express that you need to repay money or a favor. It's the most common and neutral term.

I owe you $20.
I owe my success to my mentor.

be obligated to

This term is used to indicate a sense of duty or responsibility, likely due to an agreement or a rule. It’s more formal and often used in legal, professional, or ethical contexts.

As an employee, you are obligated to follow the company’s policies.
I am obligated to inform you about the changes in the contract.

be beholden to

This phrase is often used in formal or literary contexts to indicate a sense of gratitude or moral duty to someone for a favor or help received. It can also imply a degree of subordination.

She felt beholden to her aunt for the financial support.
He was beholden to them for their hospitality.

Examples of usage

I owe you an apology for my behavior.
We owe it to future generations to protect the environment.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

gratitude

To feel grateful or thankful for something that someone has done for you.

Synonyms

be grateful for, be thankful for.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
owe	Use this word when you have an obligation to pay or give something, usually money, back to someone. I owe you $20 for lunch. She still owes the bank a lot of money.
be grateful for	This phrase is best used when you feel a deep appreciation for something or someone. I am truly grateful for your help during my tough times. We should be grateful for the good things in our lives.
be thankful for	Use this phrase to express a sincere appreciation, often in response to receiving something or experiencing something positive. I am thankful for the support of my family. Let's be thankful for the opportunity to travel.

Word

Description / Examples

owe

Use this word when you have an obligation to pay or give something, usually money, back to someone.

I owe you $20 for lunch.
She still owes the bank a lot of money.

be grateful for

This phrase is best used when you feel a deep appreciation for something or someone.

I am truly grateful for your help during my tough times.
We should be grateful for the good things in our lives.

be thankful for

Use this phrase to express a sincere appreciation, often in response to receiving something or experiencing something positive.

I am thankful for the support of my family.
Let's be thankful for the opportunity to travel.

Examples of usage

I owe you a debt of gratitude for your help.
We owe a lot to our parents for their love and support.

Translations

Translations of the word "owe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dever

🇮🇳 कर्ज़ देना

🇩🇪 schulden

🇮🇩 berutang

🇺🇦 заборгувати

🇵🇱 zawdzięczać

🇯🇵 借りる (kariru)

🇫🇷 devoir

🇪🇸 deber

🇹🇷 borçlanmak

🇰🇷 빚지다 (bijjida)

🇸🇦 يَدين

🇨🇿 dlužit

🇸🇰 dlhovať

🇨🇳 欠 (qiàn)

🇸🇮 dolgovati

🇮🇸 skulda

🇰🇿 қарыз болу

🇬🇪 ვალდებული

🇦🇿 borclu olmaq

🇲🇽 deber

Etymology

The word 'owe' originated from the Old English word 'āgan', meaning 'to possess, have, own', which is related to the word 'own'. Over time, the meaning of 'owe' evolved to include the sense of being under obligation to repay something, particularly money. The concept of owing someone something has been a fundamental aspect of human relationships and economics throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,524 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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