WordLens

borrow

1 of 1verb
/ˈbɑroʊ/
Forms:borrows,borrowing,borrowed,borrowed
1

to use or take something belonging to someone else, with the idea of returning it

A2transitive
  • Can I borrow your umbrella?It's raining outside, and I left mine at home.
  • The company decided to borrow funds from the bank to finance the expansion project.
  • He asked to borrow a pen from his classmate during the exam.
  • Could I borrow your car for a quick trip to the grocery store?
  • Instead of buying a lawnmower, he chose to borrow one from his neighbor for the weekend.
Antonyms:
2

to take or adopt external elements into one's own expression or creation

transitive
  • Shakespeare borrowed many plot elements from existing stories for his plays.
  • The English language has borrowed numerous words from French, such as "cuisine" and "ballet."
  • The artist borrowed techniques from Renaissance painters to create his own style.
  • The chef borrowed spices and cooking methods from Indian cuisine to enhance his dishes.
  • The composer borrowed melodies and rhythms from traditional folk music for the symphony.