First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
owe
verb \ˈō\
: to need to pay or repay money to a person, bank, business, etc.
: to need to do or give something to someone who has done something for you or given something to you
—used to say that something should be done for or given to someone
owedow·ing
Full 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 owe defined for English-language learners
See owe defined for kids
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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
OWE Defined for Kids
owe
verb \ˈō\
owedow·ing
Definition of OWE for Kids
1
: to be obligated to pay, give, or return <I still owe 100 dollars.> <I don't owe any favors to anyone.>
2
: to be in debt to <You owe me money.>
3
: to have as a result <I owe my success to hard work.>
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