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give back
/ɡɪv bæk/◆phrasal verb
return something
She decided to give back the book she borrowed.
She returned the book she had borrowed.
general
To return something that was borrowed or taken
The library requires you to give back books on time.
The library requires you to return books on time.
This is the most common meaning of 'give back'.
general
To repay a favor, debt, or kindness
He gave back by helping his neighbor with groceries.
He repaid his neighbor's kindness by helping with groceries.
This meaning emphasizes reciprocity.
general
To contribute to society or a community, often through volunteering or donations
Many celebrities give back through charity work.
Many celebrities contribute to society through charity work.
This is a more abstract and social meaning.
Collocations
give back toto return something to someonegive back the moneyto return borrowed or stolen money
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'give back' changes based on context. Pay attention to whether it refers to objects, favors, or social contributions.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
In most cases, 'give back' is literal, but it can also be used figuratively to mean repaying kindness or contributing to society.
Word Origin
The phrase 'give back' is a combination of the verb 'give' and the adverb 'back', forming a phrasal verb. It has been in use since at least the 16th century.
Usage Notes
The meaning of 'give back' depends on context. It can refer to physical objects, favors, or abstract contributions.
Word Breakdown
give
to transfer possession of something
rootback
in the opposite direction or to the original place
adverbEnglish Dictionary