Borrow
/ˈbɒr.oʊ/noun
To take and use (something belonging to someone else) with the intention of returning it.
Did you know?In Old English, 'borh' meant 'pledge' or 'security', hinting at a deeper connection between borrowing and binding agreements—almost like a magical contract!
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*burga-
“To protect or secure, suggesting a binding nature.”
Old English
Old English
borh
“A pledge or surety, indicating a promise to return what is taken.”
Old Norse
Old Norse
bǫrg
“A security or bail, emphasizing the act of guaranteeing or binding.”
Middle English
Middle English
borwe
“To take with the intention of returning, reflecting the evolving concept of trust.”
Modern English
Modern English
borrow
“To take something with the intention of returning it, now familiar in everyday usage.”