owe
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.owe
verb \ˈō\owedow·ing
Definition of OWE
transitive verb
1
2
a (1) : to be under obligation to pay or repay in return for something received : be indebted in the sum of <owes me $5> (2) : to be under obligation to render (as duty or service) <I owe you a favor> b : to be indebted to <owes the grocer for supplies>
3
: to be indebted for <owed his wealth to his father> <owes much to good luck>
intransitive verb
1
: to be in debt <owes for his house>
2
: to be attributable <an idea that owes to Greek philosophy>
— owe it
: to have a responsibility to do something to satisfy an obligation or duty <owes it to voters to explain his reasons>
See Examples of OWE
- We owe no income tax.
- I owe the bank a lot of money.
- Additional payments are owed on the mortgage.
- I still owe on the car.
- I owe you a drink.
- I owe you my thanks.
- She still owes me for all the times I've helped her out.
Origin of OWE
Middle English, to possess, own, owe, from Old English āgan; akin to Old High German eigun (1st & 3d plural present indicative) possess, Sanskrit īśe he possesses
First Known Use: before 12th century
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