Owes Meaning and Definition
Owes
Pronunciation
/juːz/
Part of Speech
Verb or Noun
Definition
Owes refers to a debt or obligation that must be paid or fulfilled. It can also mean to have a sense of responsibility or duty towards someone or something.
Examples
- She owes me a favor after I helped her move.
- The company owes its success to its hardworking employees.
Synonyms
- Obligation
- Debt
- Responsibility
Antonyms
- Pays
- Reimburses
Etymology
The word “owes” comes from the Old English word “ȳwe”, which means “to owe” or “to be indebted”.
Usage Notes
Owes can be used as a verb or noun, and its meaning can vary depending on the context. When used as a verb, it means to have a debt or obligation to someone or something. When used as a noun, it refers to that debt or obligation itself.
Cultural References
Owes has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, music, and film. It’s often used to convey a sense of responsibility or duty towards someone or something.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Expression: “owe someone a favor”
Meaning: to have a debt or obligation to someone, often due to a kindness or help granted
Related Words or Phrases
- Debt
- Responsibility
- Obligation
Collocations
- Owes a debt
- Owes a favor
- Owes someone an apology
Frequency of Use
Owes is a relatively common word in modern language, especially in informal settings.
Common Misspellings
- Owns
- Due