What does give mean?
Give is one of the most useful and versatile verbs in English. At its core, it means to transfer, provide, or surrender something: a person gives a gift, gives information, gives permission, or gives someone an opportunity. Its idiomatic uses extend the basic idea in several directions. Giving a speech means delivering one; giving way means yielding or failing under pressure; giving up means abandoning an effort or surrendering; and giving in means agreeing after resistance. The verb can therefore suggest generosity and cooperation, but it can also imply loss, failure, concession, or unwanted attention. Its simple past form is gave, and its past participle is given, as in a given reason or a well-given performance. The word appears in both formal and informal English, with the surrounding idiom usually determining whether its tone is practical, emotional, literary, or colloquial.
verbTo transfer, provide, or surrender something to someone. In many idiomatic uses, give means deliver, grant, yield, or make available, and its exact meaning depends on the words that accompany it.
- To transfer or hand over something to someone.
- To provide, supply, or make something available.
- To grant or award something, such as an opportunity, permission, or a gift.
- To deliver or make a statement, as in give an explanation or give a speech.
- To produce or yield a result, sound, or sensation.
"She decided to give the proceeds from the sale to a local charity."
"The teacher gave each student time to complete the exercise."
"After years of uncertainty, the negotiations finally gave way to a lasting agreement."
One small word can mean transfer, surrender, produce, grant, or even collapse, depending on what surrounds it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How give is actually used
Give is highly versatile and ranges from formal contexts, such as giving evidence, to informal expressions such as give it a rest and give me a break. In British English, give up can mean stop an activity, while give in can mean surrender or yield. In American English, give up can also mean abandon an activity or someone.
Easily confused with give
Give is the verb meaning to transfer or provide something, whereas a gift is the item or benefit that is transferred.