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give

v. · n.
US //ˈɡɪv// UK //ɡˈɪv// give
Irregular verb past gave past participle given
  1. 1 to hand over (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to hand something to someone so they can keep it or use it.

    to transfer possession of a physical or abstract entity to another person. Often ditransitive, taking both a direct and indirect object.

    Example

    She gave her brother a beautiful watch for his graduation.

    Example

    The foundation gave the university a substantial grant to fund the new research laboratory over the next five years.
    Pitfall
    I gave to him the book.
    I gave him the book.

    When the recipient comes before the object, do not use 'to'. Use 'I gave him the book' or 'I gave the book to him'.

  2. 2 to produce or provide (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to produce a result or provide information.

    to yield a result, product, or piece of information as an output.

    Example

    Adding these two numbers together gives you the total cost.

    Example

    The initial data analysis gives a clear indication that consumer spending habits are shifting toward digital services.
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  1. 3 to break or bend (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to break, collapse, or bend because of too much weight or pressure.

    to yield, collapse, or lose structural integrity under physical force or pressure. Intransitive in this sense.

    Example

    The old wooden bridge started to give under the weight of the heavy truck.

    Example

    The structural beams finally began to give after hours of intense heat, forcing the firefighters to evacuate the building immediately.
  2. 4 to organize an event (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to organize or host a party or a performance.

    to host, organize, or present a social event or public performance.

    Example

    They are giving a small dinner party to celebrate their anniversary.

    Example

    The local orchestra is giving a free concert in the park this Saturday to encourage community engagement with classical music.
  3. 5 to devote oneself (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to spend a lot of your time or energy on something.

    to devote or apply oneself or one's resources to a particular cause or activity. Often reflexive.

    Example

    He gave his whole life to helping people in need.

    Example

    She gave herself entirely to the project, working late every night to ensure the launch was a success.
  4. 6 to have a certain look (v.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    to have a specific style or feeling.

    to project a specific aesthetic, mood, or vibe. Used in modern informal contexts.

    Example

    That outfit is giving 1990s fashion vibes.

    Example

    The minimalist decor in the new office is giving a very futuristic, high-tech energy that matches the company's brand.

    Usage

    Often used in the construction 'it's giving [noun]' to describe a mood or style.
  5. 7 flexibility (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the ability of something to bend or stretch without breaking.

    the quality of resilience or the capacity of a physical object to yield under pressure.

    Example

    There isn't much give in this rope, so be careful not to pull too hard.

    Example

    The new mattress has just enough give to be comfortable while still providing the necessary support for your back.
Origin

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.

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