Definition

The act of taking something from someone else with the intention of returning it later, often used in the context of money or items.

Example

The library has a policy for borrowing books for up to three weeks.

Conversation

I was thinking about the concept of borrowing in language.

Oh, like how we use words from different cultures?

Exactly! It's fascinating how much borrowing shapes our vocabulary.

I know, right? It makes languages so much richer!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Borrowing → It is formed from "borrow" (from Old English *borgian*, meaning to pledge or to lend) and "-ing" (a suffix used to indicate the action or process of). The word "borrowing" refers to the action or process of taking something with the intention of returning it.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for pledge ('borgian') to remember that borrowing means taking something with the promise to return it.

Visually Confused Words