give

The word “give” means to hand over or transfer something to someone. In plain terms, to hand something over to someone, or (as a noun) the amount of flex or stretch in something.

“Give” is pronounced GIHV (/ˈɡɪv/ in IPA).

Here is “give” used in a sentence: “Can you give me a hand with these boxes?”

Words with a similar meaning to “give” include accord, add, assign, award, bestow and bequeath.

The opposite of “give” — its antonyms — are receive and take.

Depending on how it is used, “give” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “give” comes from Old English. From Old English giefan, merged with Old Norse gefa, both meaning "to give," from a common Germanic root.

“Give” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

When you give something, you transfer it permanently and it becomes the other person's to keep. When you lend something, you hand it over only temporarily and expect it back. So you give a gift but lend a book; the key difference is whether ownership changes hands for good.

The simple past tense is "gave," as in "she gave me a book yesterday." The past participle is "given," used with have or was, as in "I have given" or "it was given away." "Give" is an irregular verb, so it does not follow the usual -ed pattern.

The most direct opposites are "take" and "receive." "Take" is the reverse action from the giver's side, while "receive" or "get" describes the other person accepting what is given. Depending on context, "withhold," "keep," or "refuse" also work when someone chooses not to give at all.

To donate is to give, but specifically to a charity, cause, or organisation, often formally and for a good purpose. "Give" is the general, everyday word for any transfer to anyone. You give a friend a lift, but you donate money to a food bank; donate carries a charitable tone.