v.
Pronunciation: ' ō
Function: verb
Inflected Form: owed ; ow · ing
Etymology: Middle English, to possess, own, owe, from Old English ā gan; akin to Old High German eigun (1st & 3d plural present indicative) possess, Sanskrit ī ś e he possesses
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1 a archaic : POSSESS , OWN b : to have or bear (an emotion or attitude) to someone or something < owe s the boss a grudge>
2 a (1) : to be under obligation to pay or repay in return for something received : be indebted in the sum of < owe s me $5> (2) : to be under obligation to render (as duty or service) <I owe you a favor> b : to be indebted to < owe s the grocer for supplies>
3 : to be indebted for < owed his wealth to his father> < owe s much to good luck>
intransitive verb
1 : to be in debt < owe s for his house>
2 : to be attributable <an idea that owe s to Greek philosophy>
– owe it : to have a responsibility to do something to satisfy an obligation or duty < owes it to voters to explain his reasons>