English Reference
preposition · adjective · noun

given

prep. · adj. · n.
US /ˈɡɪvən/ UK /ɡˈɪvən/ giv·en UK spelling givens

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    prep.you use this to mean 'considering' or 'taking into account' a specific fact.

    prep.used to introduce a factor that must be considered when making a judgment or calculation.

    Simple

    Given the bad weather, it is surprising that so many people came to the party.

    In context

    Given the volatility of the current market, the board decided to postpone the merger until the next fiscal quarter.

    consideringin view of
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.a particular or specific thing that has been mentioned or chosen.

    adj.referring to a specific or particular instance previously mentioned or under consideration.

    Simple

    At any given time, there are thousands of planes in the sky.

    In context

    The software allows users to track the location of the fleet at any given moment with high precision.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced FormalLiterary

    adj.having a tendency to do something or behave in a certain way.

    adj.having a tendency or inclination toward a specific behavior or condition; usually followed by 'to'.

    Simple

    He is given to long silences when he is thinking about a problem.

    In context

    The professor was given to occasional outbursts of temper when students arrived late to his lectures.

    Usage

    Usually follows the pattern 'be given to' followed by a noun or gerund.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.something that is certain to happen or is accepted as true without proof.

    n.a basic condition or fact that is assumed to be true and does not require further evaluation.

    Simple

    In this company, hard work is a given if you want a promotion.

    In context

    It is a given that the project will require additional funding before the final phase can begin.

Usage given the green · given birth · given person

BBC East's political editor Andrew Sinclair has given his thoughts on how local issues have taken a backseat during this by-election campaign, unlike many other recent by-elections in the region.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

Given where they finished, the Blues will not be playing in any European competition this campaign.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated