Basic Details
Word: Borrow
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To take something from someone with the promise to return it later.
Synonyms: Loan, Take, Acquire
Antonyms: Lend, Give
Idioms and Phrases
- Borrowed time: Time that someone has when they are expected to have little time left. Example: "Since he received the treatment, he feels he is living on borrowed time."
- To borrow trouble: To create problems for oneself by worrying about things that have not yet happened. Example: "Don't borrow trouble; just focus on what you can do today."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Can I borrow your pen for a moment while I write this note?
Example 2: She decided to borrow some books from the library to help with her homework.
Example 3: I promised to borrow my friend's bicycle, but I must return it by tomorrow.
Fun Fact
The concept of borrowing has been around for thousands of years; ancient civilisations often had their own systems of lending and borrowing, sometimes recording these agreements on clay tablets!
Famous Quote
"If you lend someone 20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it." Si Foster
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "borrow" mean?
a) To take something permanently
b) To take something and return it later
c) To give something away
d) To sell something
Answer: b) To take something and return it later
2. Which of these is a synonym of "borrow"?
a) Lend
b) Loan
c) Give
d) Sell
Answer: b) Loan
3. What is the antonym of "borrow"?
a) Acquire
b) Loan
c) Give
d) Take
Answer: c) Give
4. Which sentence uses "borrow" correctly?
a) I would like to borrow your headphones for the movie.
b) He decided to borrow a sandwich from the shop.
c) She borrowed a dog to keep.
d) They borrowed a ticket to the concert as a gift.
Answer: a) I would like to borrow your headphones for the movie.
5. Which idiom relates to borrowing?
a) To borrow trouble
b) To lend a hand
c) To see eye to eye
d) To have a change of heart
Answer: a) To borrow trouble
