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give
/ɡɪv/
When you transfer an object, you can say "give something to someone" or "give someone something." Both are correct and common. In the sense of providing information or advice, "give" is often used in polite requests, such as "Could you give me...?". When using "give" to mean yielding or bending, it usually describes a physical object breaking or stretching under pressure.
💬Casual Conversation
Ugh, can you give me a hand with this stupid student loan stuff? My brain is short-circuiting.
Bet. Just need to finish this final boss, then I'll be there.
Meanings
To transfer possession of something to someone.
"She decided to give the book to her brother."
Examples
Just give me the keys and walk away, okay?
I'll give you a hand with those heavy boxes.
Listen, can you just give me one more chance?
I think I'll give this old sweater to charity.
Wait, the floor is starting to give! Get back!
Could you give me a ride to the airport?
Please give me your ID and boarding pass, sir.
I can give you a discount if you pay cash.
Don't forget to give the dog some water.
I can't believe you'd give my secret away like that!
Collocations & Compounds
give a hand
To provide help or assistance to someone.
give way
To collapse or yield under pressure.
give advice
To provide guidance or recommendations.
give a gift
To transfer possession of a present to someone.
give a presentation
To provide information to an audience through a formal talk.
Phrasal Verbs
give away
To transfer possession of something for free; to donate.
give in
To yield under pressure or cease resistance.
give out
To distribute something to a group of people.
give up
To stop making an effort; to yield one's struggle.
give back
To return possession of something to its original owner.
Idioms & Sayings
give the benefit of the doubt
To believe someone's statement without proof, or to assume they are telling the truth.
give a hand
To provide assistance or help to someone.
give in
To cease fighting or arguing; to surrender or yield under pressure.
give way
To collapse or break under physical pressure; to yield.
give it a shot
To try or attempt something for the first time.
Cultural Context
The simple word 'give' is a cornerstone of human interaction, so ubiquitous that we rarely pause to consider its profound implications. Its meaning stretches far beyond the transactional act of handing something over; it touches upon generosity, sacrifice, obligation, and even the very nature of existence.
In ancient cultures, the act of giving was often imbued with spiritual or ritualistic significance. Offerings to gods, whether of food, precious objects, or even blood, were fundamental to maintaining cosmic order and receiving divine favor. These were not merely gifts; they were essential exchanges meant to appease, petition, or honor. The concept of 'quid pro quo' was deeply embedded, suggesting that the gods, too, would give back in return for what was given to them.
This idea of reciprocal giving resonates in folklore and mythology. The gifts bestowed by fairies or mythical beings often came with hidden costs or obligations, a reminder that true generosity is complex. Think of the tales where a magical gift leads to unforeseen consequences, or where a promise made in exchange for a gift must be fulfilled at great personal cost. These narratives explore the psychological weight of receiving and the moral responsibility that comes with the act of giving.
In contemporary society, 'give' continues to shape our social fabric. We 'give' our time to volunteering, 'give' our support to loved ones, and 'give' our consent to important decisions. Philanthropy is built on the principle of giving, aiming to address societal needs. Yet, the word also carries connotations of surrender or yielding – to temptation, to an opponent, or to fate. It can signify a loss of control, a relinquishing of power.
Psychologically, the act of giving can be a source of immense personal satisfaction, fostering empathy and connection. Studies in behavioral economics show that giving can activate pleasure centers in the brain, often more so than receiving. This suggests that our innate drive to give is a fundamental aspect of our well-being, a way to affirm our place within a community and find meaning in our lives. The word 'give' truly encapsulates a spectrum of human experience, from the sacred to the mundane, from profound generosity to reluctant surrender.