given
GIHV-n
Given (prep) means taking into account; considering. Example: “Given the weather, we should leave early.”
prep
1
Taking into account; considering.
"Given the weather, we should leave early."
"Given his experience, he was the obvious choice."
"Given how tired I am, I'll skip the party."
adj
1
Specified or particular.
"At any given moment, hundreds of flights are in the air."
"Pupils may only borrow one book at a given time."
"The tickets can be used on any given day this week."
noun
1
A fact or condition accepted as true without needing proof.
"It's a given that prices will rise every year."
"We took it as a given that everyone would arrive on time."
"Good weather is no given in this part of the country."
How to use given
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to mean "considering" a fact, or to describe something already assumed or specified.
Common pairings
given that
a given
at a given time
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Word forms
- Plural
- givens
- Comparative
- more given
- Superlative
- most given
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ the weather, we should leave early.
Etymology
The past participle of "give," from Old English giefan.
Synonyms
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considering
in view of
in light of
taking into account
bearing in mind
minded
granted
disposed
tending
apt
precondition
presumption
Related words
Rhymes for given
See all rhymes for given →Frequently asked questions
What does “given” mean?
The word “given” means taking into account; considering. In plain terms, used to mean "considering" a fact, or to describe something already assumed or specified.
How do you pronounce “given”?
“Given” is pronounced GIHV-n (/ˈɡɪv.n̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “given” in a sentence?
Here is “given” used in a sentence: “Given the weather, we should leave early.”
What part of speech is “given”?
Depending on how it is used, “given” can be a preposition, an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “given” come from?
The word “given” comes from Old English. The past participle of "give," from Old English giefan.
Is “given” a common word?
“Given” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “given” have?
“Given” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: taking into account; considering.
What is an example of 'given' used to mean considering?
In this sense given introduces a fact you are taking into account: 'Given the weather, we should leave early,' or 'Given her experience, she was the obvious choice.' It signals that what follows is the reason or condition shaping the conclusion, much like saying 'considering' or 'in view of.'
What is the difference between 'given' and 'considering'?
Both introduce something you are taking into account, and they are often interchangeable: 'Given the cost' and 'Considering the cost' work equally well. Given tends to sound slightly more formal and points to an accepted fact, while considering can feel a touch more tentative. In everyday writing either is fine.
Is 'given' a preposition?
Used to mean 'taking into account,' given acts as a preposition, introducing a noun or noun phrase: given the circumstances. The same word also serves as a verb, the past participle of give, and as an adjective meaning fixed or agreed, as in a given amount. Context makes the sense clear.
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