Owe
Verb
UK
/əʊ/
US
/oĘŠ/
Definition
To need to give or repay something to someone.
Example
"She owes her friend five dollars for lunch."
"You really owe her an apology for forgetting her birthday."
"He owes a lot to his teachers for guiding him through school."
Explanation
Owe means to have to pay or give something to someone because you have received it or are responsible for it. You can owe money, favours, or gratitude. For example, if someone lent you money, you owe them the amount back. It’s also used figuratively, like “I owe you thanks,” meaning you are grateful and should show or express it.