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give

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verb American English pronunciation: give /ɡɪv/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theygive
he/she/itgives
present participlegiving
past tensegave
past participlegiven
Other entries for this word
 
  1. 1
    [transitive] to put something in someone's hand, or to pass something to someone
    give someone something:

    Could you give me that pen?

    give something to someone:

    She gave the flowers to me to hold.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
    1. a.
      [transitive] to let someone have or keep something as a present
      give someone something:

      We don't know what to give Dad for Christmas.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
    2. b.
      [intransitive/transitive] to do something good or helpful for someone

      a relationship where one partner gives more than the other

      Aid will be given to areas hardest hit by the flooding.

      give someone help/support/encouragement:

      Thanks for all the support you've given us.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
  2. 2
    [transitive] to make someone the owner of something that you owned
    give someone something:

    Will the new tax laws make people give the government more of their property?

    give something to someone:

    There are tax advantages if you give the house to your children.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
  3. 3
    [transitive] to put medicine into someone's body using a particular method

    Can't you give her anything for the pain?

    The drug is normally given by injection.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
  4. 4
    [transitive] to cause a general result or effect

    The motor oil gives good performance in all weather conditions.

    The removal of trade restrictions could give the economy a substantial boost.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
    1. a.
      to make someone feel or experience something
      give someone something:

      These stories have given people enormous pleasure over the years.

      The results gave us a distinct shock.

      give someone trouble/problems/grief:

      Since we replaced the clutch, the car has given us no trouble at all.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
    2. b.
      to make something look, taste, smell, sound, or feel a particular way

      Some laundry detergents give cotton a softer feel.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
    3. c.
      to make someone think or believe something
      give someone the idea/impression (that):

      She gave us the distinct impression that the work was nearly finished.

      be given to understand/believe something:

      formal The hotel isn't as luxurious as we were given to understand in the brochure.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
  5. 5
    [transitive] to show or communicate information

    If you see him, will you give him a message from me?

    They gave me all the instructions over the phone.

    The answers are given on page 100.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
  6. 6
    to perform an action to someone or something
    give someone something:

    I gave him a hug before I left.

    We need to give the dog a bath this weekend.

    give someone a call (=to phone someone):

    I'll give you a call on Sunday.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
    1. a.
      used about a speech, talk, etc

      Someone from the university will give a talk on the future of education.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
    2. b.
      to attempt to do something
      give something a try/shot:

      I'd never ridden a horse before, but I was prepared to give it a try.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
    3. c.
      to spend time thinking about something before you make a decision or judgment about it
      give something thought/attention/consideration:

      We'll give your suggestions some thought and let you know what we decide.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
  7. 7
    [transitive] to perform a particular action
    give a laugh/smile:

    She gave a short, mirthless laugh.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
  8. 8
    [transitive] to allow someone to take action

    Permission to build on the site had to be given by the zoning board.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
    1. a.
      to allow someone to do something before other people
      give preference/priority to someone:

      When selecting applicants, priority is usually given to those with experience.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
    2. b.
      to allow someone a limited time to do something
      give someone something:

      They have given us six months to develop a new billing system.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
  9. 9
    [transitive] to pass an illness or disease to another person
    give someone something:

    She gave the whole office the flu.

    give something to someone:

    You could easily give the disease to your partner.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
  10. 10
    [transitive] spoken to pay money for something

    How much did they give you for your old car?

    give someone something:

    Martin gave me $500 for my computer.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
    1. a.
      [intransitive/transitive] to pay money to charity (=organizations that help people)

      We always give to charity at Christmas.

      give something to someone:

      We prefer to give our money to local causes.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
    2. b.
      [transitive] to provide a large amount of money, for example a loan or a grant
      give something to someone:

      The Small Business Association gives loans to new businesses.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
  11. 11
    [intransitive] if something gives, it stretches, bends, or moves

    The bridge has to be able to give a little in the wind.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
    1. a.
      if something that supports or holds something gives, it breaks

      The floor of the platform might give if too many people walk on it.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give
  12. 12
    [intransitive] if someone gives, they agree to change a decision, opinion, or intention

    I tried to get my husband to come with me, but he wouldn't give.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of give

phrases

See also

This is the American English definition of give. View British English definition of give.

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