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adj Common

borrowed

BO-rohd

Borrowed (adj) means Taken temporarily from someone else, with the intention of returning it. Example: “She wore a borrowed dress to the wedding.”

adj
1
Taken temporarily from someone else, with the intention of returning it.
"She wore a borrowed dress to the wedding."
"The essay was full of borrowed ideas he never credited."

How to Use Borrowed

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes something taken temporarily from someone else, whether an object, money, or an idea.

Common pairings
borrowed time borrowed clothes borrowed money
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Test yourself on “borrowed” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She wore a _____ dress to the wedding.

on loan loaned secondhand derived appropriated adopted

Related Words

Rhymes for borrowed

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “borrowed” mean?

The word “borrowed” means taken temporarily from someone else, with the intention of returning it. In plain terms, describes something taken temporarily from someone else, whether an object, money, or an idea.

How do you pronounce “borrowed”?

“Borrowed” is pronounced BO-rohd (/ˈbɑɹoʊd/ in IPA).

How do you use “borrowed” in a sentence?

Here is “borrowed” used in a sentence: “She wore a borrowed dress to the wedding.”

What part of speech is “borrowed”?

“Borrowed” is an adjective.

Is “borrowed” a common word?

“Borrowed” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between "borrowed" and "lent"?

If you borrowed something, you took it temporarily from someone else. If you lent it, you gave it to another person to use. The owner lends; the user borrows.

What is the difference between "borrowed" and "loaned"?

"Borrowed" is from the taker's point of view, meaning you received the item. "Loaned" is from the giver's point of view, meaning they handed it over.

What is the difference between something borrowed and something stolen?

Something borrowed is taken temporarily, with the intention of returning it. Something stolen is taken permanently and without permission.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial