Word: Owe

Pronunciation

/əʊ/

Definitions

• Verb (v): To have a moral or legal obligation to give, repay, or do something for someone else, typically because of receiving something from them or having been helped by them. For example: “I owe you a debt of gratitude for your help.”
  • Infinitive form: to owe
  • Past tense: owed
  • Present participle: owing
  • Past participle: owed

Phrases

• Owe someone money: To be in debt to someone financially.
• Owe someone an explanation/apology: To have a responsibility to provide an explanation or apology to someone.
• Owe it to oneself: To have a duty or responsibility towards oneself to do something beneficial or right.
• Pay what one owes: To fulfill financial or other obligations.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “I owe you $50 for that concert ticket.”
• “She still owes her friend a favour after borrowing her car last week.”
• “He felt he owed his success to his parents’ unwavering support.”

Synonyms

• Be indebted to
• Have a debt to
• Are under an obligation to
• Must pay back
• Are liable for
• Are responsible for
• Need to repay or return
• Due (money) to