Main Entry:

owe

Pronunciation:

\ˈō\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

owed; ow·ing

Etymology:

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

Date:

before 12th century

transitive verb1 aarchaic : possess, own b: to have or bear (an emotion or attitude) to someone or something <owes the boss a grudge>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 verb1: 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>