to give
g
g
i
ɪ
v
v
e
British pronunciation
/ɡɪv/

Definition & Meaning of "give"

to give
01

to hand a thing to a person to look at, use, or keep

Ditransitive: to give sb sth | to give sth to sb
to give definition and meaning
example
Example
click on words
The librarian gave me a book to borrow for my research.
She gave me a key to access the storage room.
1.1

to exchange money for a service or product

Transitive: to give a sum of money
to give definition and meaning
example
Example
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He gave a substantial amount to purchase tickets for the concert.
I 'll give the entrance fee for the amusement park when we arrive.
1.2

to administer a remedy or drug

Transitive: to give a medicine
Ditransitive: to give sb a medicine | to give a medicine to sb
example
Example
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The nurse will give the patient a dose of pain medication to alleviate discomfort.
The doctor decided to give antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection.
02

to provide something for someone

Ditransitive: to give sb sth | to give sth to sb
Transitive: to give sth
example
Example
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The bakery is known for giving free samples of their new pastries.
She gave me a ride to the airport when my car broke down.
2.1

to guess how long something will last

Ditransitive: to give sth an amount of time
example
Example
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The mechanic gave the old car about a year before it would need major repairs.
Despite treatment efforts, the veterinarian gave the elderly dog just a couple of months due to health issues.
2.2

to dedicate energy, time, etc. to something or someone

Ditransitive: to give a task or activity one's time or energy | to give one's time or energy to a task or activity | to give one's time or energy to do sth
example
Example
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The artist gave countless hours to perfecting each detail of the masterpiece.
She decided to give her weekends to volunteering at the local animal shelter.
2.3

to grant a score to someone or something

Ditransitive: to give sb/sth a score or rating
example
Example
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The teacher gave the student's presentation a perfect score.
The movie critic gave the film a five-star rating for its exceptional storytelling.
2.4

to sentence a person to a certain punishment or penalty

Ditransitive: to give sb a penalty | to give a penalty to sb
Transitive: to give a penalty
example
Example
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The judge had to give a sentence of community service to the first-time offender.
The court decided to give her a fine for the traffic violation.
2.5

to produce a specific result, outcome, or product

Transitive: to give a specific outcome
example
Example
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Planting in well-fertilized soil will give healthier and more robust plants.
Skillful craftsmanship gives beautifully crafted furniture.
2.6

to make someone have a specific feeling

Ditransitive: to give sb a sensation
example
Example
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The heartfelt letter she received gave her a sense of warmth and joy.
A brisk morning jog can give you a boost of energy for the day.
2.7

to pass a disease or illness to someone else and cause them to become sick or infected

Ditransitive: to give a disease to sb
example
Example
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The traveler unknowingly gave the virus to fellow passengers on the plane.
The infected person gave the flu to several coworkers by coming to work while contagious.
03

(dummy verb) to perform an action that is specified by a noun

Transitive: to give sth
Ditransitive: to give sth sth
example
Example
click on words
The car gave a sudden jerk when it hit a pothole.
He took the guitar and gave it a strum to test the sound.
04

to tell someone something from another person

Ditransitive: to give sb a message | to give a message to sb
example
Example
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I 'll give your message to Tom when I meet him for lunch.
Please give my apologies to Mary if I do n't make it to the party.
05

to make a particular sound

Transitive: to give a sound or reaction
example
Example
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Startled by the sudden noise, she gave a scream.
As the baby woke up, he gave a loud cry for attention.
06

to let someone contact a particular person on the phone

Ditransitive: to give sb to sb
example
Example
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Let me give you to my colleague who can provide more information on that topic.
Please wait a moment, and I will give you to the right department.
07

to curve or stretch because of pressure

Intransitive
example
Example
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The spring mattress gives a little under the weight, providing a comfortable sleep surface.
The flexible material of the yoga mat gives slightly, allowing for better traction during exercises.
7.1

to be willing to compromise or adjust one's position by giving up some demands

Intransitive
example
Example
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In negotiations, both parties need to give a little to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
To resolve the conflict, each side must be willing to give on certain points.
08

(of a referee or umpire) to decide if a player or ball is out or offside during a game

Transitive: to give a decision
example
Example
click on words
The referee had to give a quick decision on whether the soccer player was offside.
The chess referee will give a decision on whether the move is legal.
8.1

(in sports) to declare that a goal has been fairly and legitimately scored

Transitive: to give a goal
example
Example
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The goal judge raised the flag to give the goal, signaling a successful shot into the net.
Despite the protests from the opposing team, the referee was quick to give the goal.
09

to host or organize a party, event, gathering, or similar social occasion

Transitive: to give a social event
example
Example
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As a tradition, the family gives a holiday gathering every Christmas Eve.
We 're planning to give a farewell dinner for our colleague who is leaving the company.
10

to convey a message, emotion, or signal through a physical gesture, such as with the hand, face, or body

Transitive: to give a message or signal
example
Example
click on words
She gave a nod of approval when she liked the idea.
Joel gave a wink to let me know he was joking.
11

to transfer or offer something, such as a present, donation, or assistance, to someone voluntarily.

Transitive: to give sth
Ditransitive: to give sth to sb | to give sb sth
example
Example
click on words
He decided to give her a beautiful necklace for her birthday.
She always gives thoughtful presents that reflect the recipient's interests.
12

to share information or details with someone

Ditransitive: to give sb information or details
Transitive: to give information or details
example
Example
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The witness gave a detailed account of the events leading to the accident.
She gave valuable insights into the market trends during the business meeting.
13

to formally grant approval for a marriage, typically a father approving his daughter's marriage

Transitive: to give one's daughter
example
Example
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The father proudly gave his daughter in marriage to the man she loved.
The king decided to give his daughter in marriage to the prince of a neighboring kingdom.
14

to attribute in thought or speech

Transitive: to give credit or recognition
Ditransitive: to give credit or recognition to sb
example
Example
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She would often give credit to her team for the project's success.
Please give praise to those who contributed to the event's organization.
15

to suddenly break or move due to pressure or weight

Intransitive
example
Example
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The door finally gave under the force of the strong wind.
The overloaded shelf gave, and books tumbled to the floor.
16

to agree to engage in sexual intercourse with someone

Ditransitive: to give oneself to one's partner
example
Example
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He decided to give himself to the woman he loved, marking a significant step in their relationship.
In a gesture of deep affection, she gave herself to her long-time partner.
17

to behave toward someone in a manner that reflects a specific attitude or feeling

Ditransitive: to give sb an attitude or feeling | to give an attitude or feeling to sb
example
Example
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The employee gives unwavering loyalty to the company, always going above and beyond.
Children often give their parents unconditional love and respect.
18

to perform something in a public setting

Transitive: to give a performance or speech
example
Example
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The author will be giving a book reading at the local bookstore next week.
The scientist will be giving a keynote address at the international conference.
19

to provide someone with the permission or opportunity to do something

Ditransitive: to give sb permission or opportunity
example
Example
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The manager gave the team permission to work from home when necessary.
The teacher gave students the opportunity to present their projects in class.
20

to provide someone with instructions as to what they should do

Ditransitive: to give sb instructions
example
Example
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The commander gave the troops orders to hold their positions until further notice.
The chef gave the kitchen staff clear directions for preparing the special menu.
21

to create problems or difficulties for someone

Ditransitive: to give sb problems
example
Example
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The unexpected change in plans gave the team problems in meeting the deadline.
His lack of preparation gave him difficulties during the exam.
22

to assign someone with a particular job, task, etc.

Ditransitive: to give sb a task
example
Example
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The manager gave each team member a project to complete by the end of the week.
The teacher gave the students a challenging homework assignment to test their understanding.
23

to add or improve a specific quality in someone or something

Ditransitive: to give sb/sth a specific quality
example
Example
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His kindness gives his personality an endearing charm.
The vibrant colors of the artwork give the room a lively and energetic atmosphere.
24

to allow someone a specified amount of time for a task or obligation

Ditransitive: to give sb an amount of time
example
Example
click on words
The teacher gave the students an extra hour to complete the exam.
Could you give me a moment to gather my thoughts before answering?
25

to initiate a telephone conversation with someone by making a phone call

Ditransitive: to give sb a call
example
Example
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After the meeting, I'll give you a call to discuss the project details.
If you have any questions, feel free to give me a ring, and we can chat about it.
26

to introduce or present a speaker or entertainer

Ditransitive: to give an audience a speaker or entertainer
example
Example
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Ladies and gentlemen, for your enjoyment tonight, I give you the talented singer, Sarah Williams!
To kick off our event, I am pleased to give you our keynote speaker, Professor Johnson.
27

to deliver a judgment or verdict with authority

Transitive: to give a decision or verdict
example
Example
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After carefully considering the evidence, the jury gave their unanimous verdict.
After a thorough investigation, the committee gave its decision on the matter.
28

to admit defeat or surrender

Intransitive
example
Example
click on words
Faced with overwhelming odds, the general decided to give and avoid further casualties.
The boxer, realizing he could n't continue the fight, raised his hands to give.
29

to assign a name to someone or something

Ditransitive: to give sth a name or title | to give a name or title to sth
example
Example
click on words
She decided to give the new puppy the name " Charlie. "
The teacher asked the students to give titles to their creative writing pieces.
Give
01

the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length

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