Meaning & Definition of word "Owe"

Owe

/oʊ/

1. To be under obligation to pay or repay money or a favor to someone.
- Example: I owe my friend $20 for the concert tickets.
2. To have a moral obligation to give thanks or to recognize someone's contribution.
- Example: I owe my success to my supportive family.
3. To be required to do something because of a sense of duty or obligation.
- Example: You owe it to yourself to pursue your dreams.
4. To be necessary for someone to pay or settle a debt.
- Example: You really owe the bank before you can take out another loan.

●Middle English 'owen', from Old English 'āgan' meaning to possess or to own.

owe someone a favor:

To be in debt to someone for a help or service.

owe it to oneself:

To have a responsibility to prioritize one's own desires or needs.

owe back:

To return borrowed money or material to someone.

debt:

An amount of money that is owed or due.

obligation:

A duty or commitment to pay or do something.

repay:

To pay back money that was borrowed.

Meaning: I owe you one

● Example Sentence: After you helped me with my homework, I owe you one.

Meaning: You owe me

● Example Sentence: Remember lunch last week? You owe me!