give
verb (intransitive)
UKɡɪvUSɡɪv
to yield, bend, or collapse under pressure or force; to become less rigid
Example Sentences
If you push on that old door hard enough, it might give.
Be careful standing on the rotten plank—it could give at any moment.
The rope started to give under the heavy load.
My chair began to give when too much weight was put on it.
Check that ladder to ensure it doesn’t give as you climb.
Over time, some materials will give slightly to accommodate continuous stress.
In the midst of the severe storm, the fence posts began to give, creaking ominously as the fierce winds battered them from all sides.
Despite the intense pressure from deadlines and external demands, she refused to give, standing firm in her decisions while preserving her own well-being.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun (countable)
UKɡɪvUSɡɪv
the capacity of something to bend or stretch slightly without breaking (informal usage)
Example Sentences
This fabric has a bit of give, making it comfortable to wear.
The mattress has enough give to support my back without feeling rigid.
These shoes are snug at first, but they have some give over time.
Wooden floorboards can have slight give when you walk on them.
He noticed the seat had a little more give than expected, indicating worn springs.
The cushion’s give made it perfect for extended sitting sessions.
After prolonged use, the sofa developed a softer give, providing a cozy spot to relax at the end of a long day.
She appreciated the delicate give of the new running shoes, finding that the added bounce and flexibility significantly reduced her foot fatigue during longer jogs.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To hand over or provide something to another person or entity.“Give” serves as a fundamental verb used to indicate the act of transferring or presenting something to someone else. It can relate to physical objects—“I’ll give you my book”—or intangible items like time or attention—“Please give me a moment to explain.” You also encounter “give” in various phrasal verbs that slightly alter its meaning, such as “give up,” “give in,” or “give away.” For instance, “give up” may mean surrendering or ceasing a particular activity, while “give away” often refers to donating something for free or revealing a secret. In both writing and speech, “give” offers a direct way to show how one person bestows or shares something with another. It can convey generosity (“She gave a donation to charity”), obligation (“They gave him a refund”), or even reluctant yielding (“He gave in under pressure”). In instructions or tutorials, “give” may tell someone to supply information or materials (“Give your name and email address”). By choosing “give,” you deliver a clear, straightforward sense that something is being handed over, whether physically or figuratively, making it an indispensable verb in everyday communication, storytelling, and professional discourse.
Alternatives
Depending on your context, there are several alternatives to “give” that express nuances of providing, granting, or delivering something. “Offer” carries a polite or voluntary connotation, often used when extending kindness or a proposal: “She offered her seat.” “Grant” has a slightly more formal ring, reserved for permissions, privileges, or official approvals: “He was granted a scholarship.” “Present” suggests a more ceremonial or formal setting, ideal for awards or gifts: “They presented the award on stage.” “Hand over” depicts a physical transfer but can also imply resignation or compulsion, as in “He had to hand over his license.” “Supply” typically emphasizes furnishing something that’s needed or requested—“We supply hardware to local businesses.” “Bestow” leans toward literary or grand expressions of giving, frequently linked to honor or blessing. Meanwhile, “confer” suggests a formal granting of status or title: “The committee conferred upon her an honorary degree.” In everyday contexts, “pass,” “deliver,” or “provide” may also step in to avoid repetitive use of “give.” By picking a term aligned with your specific tone—casual, formal, ceremonial, or cooperative—you ensure that your writing or speech accurately conveys both the manner and spirit in which you’re transferring something to another person or group.
Writing
When writing about transferring something—be it a physical object, an idea, or assistance—“give” often offers the most direct, succinct way to convey action. Yet overuse can lead to monotony, so vary your verbs to maintain reader interest. Ask yourself what nuance you want to emphasize: are you merely handing something over, or are you bestowing something with significance? For instance, “provide insight” can sound more analytical than “give insight,” while “offer support” projects a warmer tone than “give support.” Even small substitutions like “present,” “grant,” or “deliver” can refine your message. Reserve “give” for moments when straightforward clarity is key—especially in instructions or guides where you want to avoid confusion, such as “Give your partner these instructions before starting the exercise.” Alternatively, consider well-chosen descriptors that flesh out your intent: “She generously gave her time to mentor new employees.” If you must repeat “give,” ensure each occurrence serves a purpose—whether it’s to maintain directness, highlight a character’s generosity, or reflect a sense of formal procedure. By combining “give” with carefully chosen synonyms and contexts, you enrich your narrative or exposition without sacrificing clarity.
Casual Conversation
In daily conversation, “give” pops up everywhere—from asking someone to pass the salt (“Could you give me the salt?”) to offering help (“I can give you a ride if you need”). Because of its simplicity, “give” is an ideal fit for quick instructions or spontaneous requests. This single verb can also capture feelings of generosity or kindness (“He gave me good advice”) and relationships built on help or support (“They always give each other a hand”). Phrasal verbs like “give up” or “give in” reflect everyday feelings about quitting, compromise, or yielding—easy to slip into chats about personal goals or occasional frustrations. When texting or messaging, “give” keeps your message short and sweet—“Give me five minutes, I’m on my way.” If you feel it’s getting repetitive in casual speech, mixing in synonyms such as “pass,” “offer,” or “hand over” can keep the conversation lively. But overall, “give” remains a reliable workhorse in everyday language: direct, flexible, and effortlessly natural, whether you’re exchanging items, compliments, or pointers with friends and family.
Etymology
The verb “give” descends from Old English “giefan,” which shares roots with Old Norse “gefa,” reflecting the broader Germanic family of languages. Early forms of the word bore similar meanings—handing something over, granting a favor, or bestowing a gift. Throughout centuries of linguistic evolution, “give” has held onto its core function: denoting the transfer or offering of an object, resource, or intangible concept. In Middle English texts, it was spelled in various ways—like “yive” or “gyve”—but the significance remained the same. Over time, “give” also became the base for numerous idiomatic expressions, phrasal verbs, and common phrases, underscoring just how integral the concept of offering or granting is across cultures. Modern usage continues to expand into technology, business, and social domains—consider how we “give access” to shared documents or “give feedback” on a project. Though the forms and contexts evolve, the fundamental essence of “give” endures: one party freely or deliberately provides something to another, reaffirming the word’s place as a cornerstone in English communication for centuries.
