give

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   be flexible under stress of physical force

   This material doesn't give

2. 2
   verb

   leave with

   give temporarily

3. 3
   verb

   transmit (knowledge or skills)

   give a secret to the Russians

4. 4
   verb

   deliver in exchange or recompense

   I'll give you three books for four CDs

5. 5
   verb

   occur

   what gives?

6. 6
   verb

   dedicate

   give thought to

7. 7
   verb

   allow to have or take

   I give you two minutes to respond

8. 8
   verb

   submit for consideration, judgment, or use

   give one's opinion

Etymology

Middle English given, from merger of Old English giefan (“to give”) and Old Norse gefa (“to give”), from Proto-Germanic *gebaną (“to give”). Displaced yive, from Middle English yiven, of the same origin, from influence of Old Norse gefa.