Give
/ɡɪv/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo transfer possession of something to someone.
/ɡɪv/
To present something to someone without expecting anything in return.
I gave her a book for her birthday.
💡 Simply: To hand something to someone. Like when you share your toys, you're giving them!
👶 For kids: To let someone have something, like sharing your toys or giving a hug.
More Examples
The teacher gave us homework.
He gave his time to volunteer at the hospital.
How It's Used
"She gave him a present."
"They gave generously to the homeless shelter."
To supply or provide something that is needed or wanted.
/ɡɪv/
To afford or supply something.
The experience gave her a new perspective.
💡 Simply: To provide or allow something. Like a sunny day gives us warmth.
👶 For kids: To let something happen or make something available, like a plant gives us air.
More Examples
The software gives users access to valuable data.
The new policy gives more protection to consumers.
How It's Used
"The loan gives them more financial flexibility."
"The book gives insight into the author's life."
To produce or yield a result.
/ɡɪv/
To yield or produce something.
The soil gives a plentiful crop.
💡 Simply: To produce a result. Like a recipe gives a cake.
👶 For kids: To make something happen or make something come out, like a seed gives a flower.
More Examples
Two and two gives four.
The meeting gave rise to several new ideas.
How It's Used
"The land gives a good harvest."
"Four plus four gives eight."
To communicate or express something.
/ɡɪv/
To express or communicate something.
He gave an important presentation.
💡 Simply: To say or show something. Like giving a smile, it shows you are happy!
👶 For kids: To say or show something to someone, like giving a wave or a hug.
More Examples
The news report gives the latest updates.
She gave a heartfelt apology.
How It's Used
"She gave a speech."
"The weather report gives the forecast."
Synonyms
Donate
Afford
Cause
Generate
Communicate
Deliver
Express
Idioms & expressions
give and take
A balance of compromise and cooperation.
"In a good marriage, there's a lot of give and take."
give up
To stop trying; to abandon.
"Don't give up on your dreams!"
give off
To produce or emit something (e.g., a smell, light, heat).
"The flowers give off a lovely scent."
give way
To yield; to collapse or break under pressure; to be replaced by something else.
"The bridge gave way under the heavy truck."
From Old English *giefan*, related to Old High German *geban* and Proto-Germanic *gebaną*, meaning 'to give, offer'.
The word 'give' has been used in English since the Old English period, with a consistent core meaning of transferring possession or providing something.
Memory tip
Imagine you're handing someone a gift—you GIVE it to them.