owe

American  

[oh] / oʊ /

verb (used with object)

owed, owing

1. to be under obligation to pay or repay.

   to owe money to the bank; to owe the bank interest on a mortgage.

2. to be in debt to.

   He says he doesn't owe anybody.

3. to be indebted (to) as the cause or source of.

   to owe one's fame to good fortune.

4. to have or bear (a feeling or attitude) toward someone or something.

   to owe gratitude to one's rescuers.

5. Obsolete. to possess; own.

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verb (used without object)

owed, owing

1. to be in debt.

   Neither lend nor owe. Who owes for the antipasto?

owe British  

/ əʊ /

verb

1. to be under an obligation to pay (someone) to the amount of

2. (intr) to be in debt

   he still owes for his house

3. (often foll by to) to have as a result (of)

   he owes his success to chance

4. to feel the need or obligation to do, give, etc

   to owe somebody thanks

   to owe it to oneself to rest

5. to hold or maintain in the mind or heart (esp in the phrase owe a grudge )

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Etymology

Origin of owe

before 900; Middle English owen to possess, be under obligation, have to pay; Old English āgan to possess; cognate with Old High German eigan, Old Norse eiga. See own, ought ¹

Example Sentences

"A person is subject to the United States' 'jurisdiction' only if he owes sufficient allegiance to, and may claim protection from, the United States."

From Barron's

But Rome owes to him the most famous foundation myth of antiquity.

From The Wall Street Journal

Having said that, “Janet Jackson.” is not lacking in intimacy, owing to Jackson’s emotional openness which, at times, causes her palpable discomfort.

From Salon

He said it meant being “completely subject” to the political jurisdiction of the U.S. and owing it “direct and immediate allegiance.”

From The Wall Street Journal

One of those who believes she is owed money from her car finance provider is Poppy Whiteside from Kent.

From BBC

Related Words

• incur