Owe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ธ
owe
[ษส ]
Definitions
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 |
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owe |
This appears to be a duplicate of the first word. Typically used for owing money or a favor to someone.
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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.
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be in arrears to |
Refers specifically to being late on payments, often used in a formal context such as legal or financial documents.
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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.
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Examples of usage
- I owe my friend $20 for lunch.
- She owes the bank a large sum of money.
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.
|
be obligated to |
This term is used to indicate a sense of duty or responsibility, likely due to an agreement or a rule. Itโs more formal and often used in legal, professional, or ethical contexts.
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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.
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Examples of usage
- I owe you an apology for my behavior.
- We owe it to future generations to protect the environment.
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 |
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owe |
Use this word when you have an obligation to pay or give something, usually money, back to someone.
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be grateful for |
This phrase is best used when you feel a deep appreciation for something or someone.
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be thankful for |
Use this phrase to express a sincere appreciation, often in response to receiving something or experiencing something positive.
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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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'owe'
The word 'owe' originated from the Old English word 'ฤgan', 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.
See also: owed.
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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