Debts
dɛts
Definitions
2 meaningsMoney, goods, or services owed to another.
dɛts
Something that is owed, typically money.
The company has substantial debts to its suppliers.
💡 Simply: Imagine you borrow money from a friend. That money you owe them? That's a debt! It's something you need to pay back.
👶 For kids: When you borrow something from someone, like a toy or some money, and you have to give it back later, that's a debt.
More Examples
He is working hard to reduce his debts.
The government announced plans to tackle the national debt.
How It's Used
"Companies often carry significant debts."
"They struggled to pay off their debts after losing their jobs."
"The protagonist was burdened by numerous personal debts."
A state of being indebted or owing gratitude.
dɛts
A state of owing gratitude.
I will always be in your debt for your support during that difficult time.
💡 Simply: When someone helps you a lot, you might feel like you owe them something. That feeling is a debt of gratitude.
👶 For kids: When someone does something really nice for you, you feel like you owe them a thank you. It's like a nice debt!
More Examples
She felt a debt of gratitude to the volunteers.
How It's Used
"I am in your debt for all your help."
Idioms & expressions
pay off debts
To pay back the money that is owed
"They are working hard to pay off their debts before retirement."
national debt
The total amount of money that a government owes to its creditors
"The government is trying to reduce the national debt."
From Middle English dette, from Old French dete, from Latin debitum, past participle of debere ('to owe').
Historically, 'debt' was also used in a more general sense of 'sin' or 'moral obligation', though this usage is now archaic.
Memory tip
Think of a 'debit' card - you're taking on a debt.