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debt
/dɛt/
money owed to someone
She took out a loan to pay off her student debt.
She borrowed money to repay what she owed for her education.
Finance
formal
An amount of money borrowed by one party from another, to be repaid at a later date, often with interest.
The company's debt increased after the acquisition.
The company borrowed more money to buy another business.
Debt can be secured (backed by collateral) or unsecured (no collateral).
informal
A feeling of gratitude or obligation toward someone.
I owe you a debt of gratitude for your help.
I am very thankful for your assistance.
This meaning is less common and often used metaphorically.
Collocations
pay off debtto repay borrowed moneydebt crisisa severe financial problem caused by unmanageable debtdebt-to-income ratioa measure of a person's debt compared to their income
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Financial vs. Moral Debt
Be aware that 'debt' can refer to both financial obligations and moral gratitude, depending on the context.
Gold Rule
Debt and Interest
Debt often comes with interest, meaning you pay back more than you borrowed.
Word Origin
From Middle English *dette*, from Old French *dette*, from Latin *debitum* (thing owed), from *debere* (to owe).
Usage Notes
In financial contexts, 'debt' is often used to describe money owed by governments, corporations, or individuals. In informal contexts, it can refer to a moral or social obligation.
Word Breakdown
debt
money owed
rootEnglish Dictionary