borrow
UK: ˈbɒr.əʊ | US: ˈbɑːr.oʊ
vt. to take and use something belonging to someone else with the intention of returning it
vt. to adopt or take (an idea, custom, etc.) from another source
vi. to receive something temporarily (often followed by "from")
The word "borrow" originates from Old English borgian, meaning "to pledge" or "to take as security." It combines the idea of a pledge (bor-) with an action suffix (-row), reflecting the temporary nature of borrowing—where something is taken with an obligation to return it. Over time, the meaning shifted from a formal pledge to the general act of temporary use. The word retains its core logic of "taking with intent to restore."
Can I borrow your pen for a moment?
She borrowed a book from the library last week.
Many languages borrow words from English.
He borrowed money from his friend to buy a car.
The design borrows elements from traditional architecture.