Borrowing
/ˈbɒrəʊɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of obtaining something from someone with the understanding that it will be returned or repaid.
/ˈbɒrəʊɪŋ/
The act of taking something with the intention of returning it.
I'm doing some borrowing from the library this week.
💡 Simply: Taking something temporarily.
More Examples
The government increased borrowing to stimulate the economy.
How It's Used
"The company relied heavily on borrowing to fund its expansion."
"The library's borrowing policy allows for two books at a time."
To obtain something from someone with the promise to return it.
/ˈbɒrəʊɪŋ/
Taking something with the intention of returning it later.
I borrowed a ladder from my neighbor.
💡 Simply: Taking something temporarily from someone.
More Examples
She's borrowing money from the bank.
How It's Used
"Could I borrow your pen?"
"The company is borrowing money to expand its operations."
Idioms & expressions
live beyond one's means/borrowing
To spend more money than one earns.
"He was living beyond his means, constantly borrowing money."
From Old English *borgen, from the verb *borgian, meaning "to pledge, guarantee". The modern meaning developed through the concept of receiving something with a promise to return it.
The word 'borrowing' has consistently been used in the context of obtaining something temporarily since Old English, though its financial applications have increased in modern usage.
Memory tip
Think of borrowing a book – you take it, read it, and then return it.