OWE


Meaning of OWE in English

■ verb

1》 have an obligation to pay (money or goods) to (someone) in return for something received.

2》 be under a moral obligation to show (gratitude, respect, etc.) or to offer (an explanation) to (someone).

3》 ( ~ something to ) have something because of.

Origin

OE āgan 'own, have it as an obligation', of Gmc origin; cf. ought 1 .

Concise Oxford English vocab.      Сжатый оксфордский словарь английского языка.