borrowing

word · lemma: borrow

/ˈbɑɹoʊɪŋ/
BAH-roh-ing
/bˈɒɹəʊɪŋ/
BO-roh-ing

Definition

The act of taking something (like money or an item) from someone else with the intention of returning it. It can also refer to adopting something from another language or culture.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly used as a noun. Common collocations: 'borrowing money', 'language borrowing'. Refers both to objects/money and also ideas or words adopted from other sources. Not to be confused with 'lending' (giving, not taking).

Example Sentences

Borrowing books from the library is free.

basic

Borrowing money from a friend can help in an emergency.

basic

The English word 'piano' is a borrowing from Italian.

basic

If your borrowing keeps increasing, you might get into debt.

natural

There's nothing wrong with borrowing ideas from others to improve your work.

natural

Online borrowing makes getting a loan much faster than before.

natural