Borow vs. Borrow — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 1, 2024
"Borow" is an incorrect spelling, whereas "Borrow" is the correct spelling denoting the act of taking something temporarily, typically with the intent to return it.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Borow or Borrow
How to spell Borrow?
Borow
Incorrect Spelling
Borrow
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Think of a "row" in "Borrow," indicating a sequence.
Relate "Borrow" to "arrow," both containing double 'r's.
Envision "Borrow" as taking two 'r's temporarily.
"Borow" looks incomplete, missing the second 'r'.
Remember "Borrow" has two 'r's just like "return," which is what you do after borrowing.
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How Do You Spell Borrow Correctly?
Incorrect: They decided to borow a ladder from the neighbors.
Correct: They decided to borrow a ladder from the neighbors.
Incorrect: Can I borow your pencil for the exam?
Correct: Can I borrow your pencil for the exam?
Incorrect: She forgot her book, so she'll have to borow one from a friend.
Correct: She forgot her book, so she'll have to borrow one from a friend.
Incorrect: He needs to borow a suit for the interview.
Correct: He needs to borrow a suit for the interview.
Borrow Definitions
To take something temporarily with the intention to return.
May I borrow your pen?
To adopt ideas or methods from another source.
English often borrows words from other languages.
To obtain or receive (something) on loan.
She borrowed a book from the library.
To imitate or derive understanding from another source.
He borrows his confidence from past successes.
To obtain or receive (something) on loan with the promise or understanding of returning it or its equivalent.
To adopt or use as one's own
I borrowed your good idea.
In subtraction, to take a unit from the next larger denomination in the minuend so as to make a number larger than the number to be subtracted.
(Linguistics) To adopt (a word) from one language for use in another.
To borrow something.
(Linguistics) To adopt words from one language for use in another.
To receive (something) from somebody temporarily, expecting to return it.
To receive money from a bank or other lender under the agreement that the lender will be paid back over time.
To adopt (an idea) as one's own.
To borrow the style, manner, or opinions of another
(linguistics) To adopt a word from another language.
(arithmetic) In a subtraction, to deduct (one) from a digit of the minuend and add ten to the following digit, in order that the subtraction of a larger digit in the subtrahend from the digit in the minuend to which ten is added gives a positive result.
To lend.
(ditransitive) To temporarily obtain (something) for (someone).
To feign or counterfeit.
(obsolete except in ballads) To secure the release of (someone) from prison.
(informal) To receive (something, usually of trifling value) from somebody, with little possibility of returning it.
Can I borrow a sheet of paper?
(informal) To interrupt the current activity of (a person) and lead them away in order to speak with them, get their help, etc.
John, can I borrow you for a second? I need your help with the copier.
(golf) To adjust one's aim in order to compensate for the slope of the green.
Deviation of the path of a rolling ball from a straight line; slope; slant.
This putt has a big left-to right borrow on it.
A borrow pit.
(programming) In the Rust programming language, the situation where the ownership of a value is temporarily transferred to another region of code.
(archaic) A ransom; a pledge or guarantee.
(archaic) A surety; someone standing bail.
To receive from another as a loan, with the implied or expressed intention of returning the identical article or its equivalent in kind; - the opposite of lend.
To take (one or more) from the next higher denomination in order to add it to the next lower; - a term of subtraction when the figure of the subtrahend is larger than the corresponding one of the minuend.
To copy or imitate; to adopt; as, to borrow the style, manner, or opinions of another.
Rites borrowed from the ancients.
It is not hard for any man, who hath a Bible in his hands, to borrow good words and holy sayings in abundance; but to make them his own is a work of grace only from above.
To receive; to take; to derive.
Any drop thou borrowedst from thy mother.
Something deposited as security; a pledge; a surety; a hostage.
Ye may retain as borrows my two priests.
The act of borrowing.
Of your royal presence I'll adventureThe borrow of a week.
Get temporarily;
May I borrow your lawn mower?
Take up and practice as one's own
In arithmetic, to take a number from one column to another.
In subtraction, sometimes we need to borrow.
Borrow Meaning in a Sentence
You can borrow my car for the weekend.
She's going to borrow her mom's earrings for the wedding.
Can we borrow your recipe for the cake?
Can my son borrow some of your toys to play with?
I need to borrow a charger; my phone is about to die.
Can I borrow some flour? I ran out.
I might need to borrow your expertise on this project.
You can borrow my laptop until yours is fixed.
Can I borrow your notes from yesterday's class?
Can I borrow a pen? Mine just ran out of ink.
They decided to borrow a movie from the online library.
I'll have to borrow a textbook until I can afford my own.
Can we borrow your lawn mower this weekend?
I need to borrow some time; this is going to take longer than I thought.
You can borrow the bike if you need to go into town.
Borrow Idioms & Phrases
Borrow trouble
To worry about problems that have not yet happened.
By assuming they'll say no, you're just borrowing trouble.
Common Curiosities
Which vowel is used before Borrow?
The vowel "o" is used before "Borrow."
What is the verb form of Borrow?
"Borrow" is already in its verb form.
What is the pronunciation of Borrow?
It is pronounced as /ˈbɑː.roʊ/.
Why is it called Borrow?
"Borrow" comes from the Old English "borgian" meaning 'to lend' which evolved to mean 'take on loan'.
What is the root word of Borrow?
The root word is Old English "borgian."
What is the singular form of Borrow?
"Borrow" is a verb and does not have a singular form.
What is the plural form of Borrow?
Verbs in English don't have a plural form. "Borrows" can be a third-person singular form.
Is Borrow an abstract noun?
No, "Borrow" is a verb.
Is Borrow a vowel or consonant?
"Borrow" is a word, containing both vowels and consonants.
Is the Borrow term a metaphor?
It can be used metaphorically, especially when referring to ideas or methods.
Is the word Borrow imperative?
It can be used in the imperative form, e.g., "Borrow this book for me."
Which preposition is used with Borrow?
"From" is commonly used with "Borrow," as in "borrow from."
Is Borrow a collective noun?
No, "Borrow" is not a collective noun.
Is the word Borrow a Gerund?
"Borrowing" is the gerund form.
What is a stressed syllable in Borrow?
The first syllable "Bor" is stressed.
Which conjunction is used with Borrow?
Conjunction usage isn't specific to "Borrow." Common conjunctions like "and" or "but" can be used.
Is Borrow a countable noun?
"Borrow" is primarily a verb and not a noun.
Is the word “Borrow” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Borrow" is a verb, but in a sentence, the thing being borrowed can be the direct object.
What is the first form of Borrow?
The first form is "borrow."
Is Borrow an adverb?
No, "Borrow" is not an adverb.
How do we divide Borrow into syllables?
It divides as Bor-row.
What part of speech is Borrow?
It's a verb.
What is another term for Borrow?
Take on loan, lease, or rent.
What is the second form of Borrow?
The second form is "borrowed."
How is Borrow used in a sentence?
"Can I borrow your umbrella for the day?"
Is Borrow a negative or positive word?
"Borrow" is neutral, but context can change its connotation.
How many syllables are in Borrow?
There are two syllables in "Borrow."
Which determiner is used with Borrow?
Determiners like "can," "may," or "will" can be used to indicate ability or intention.
Which article is used with Borrow?
The indefinite articles "a" or "an" can be used, depending on context.
Is Borrow a noun or adjective?
"Borrow" is primarily a verb.
What is the opposite of Borrow?
The opposite is "lend."
What is the third form of Borrow?
The third form is "borrowed."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
