ENGLISH
REFERENCE

indebted

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˌɪnˈdɛtɪd// UK //ˌɪndˈɛtɪd// in·debt·ed

adj. feeling very grateful to someone because they helped you or did you a favor. It can also mean owing money to a person or a bank.

adj. owing gratitude or money to another party. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel' or 'remain' to express deep appreciation.


SIMPLE

I am deeply indebted to you for your help.

CONTEXTUAL

The young scientist felt forever indebted to her mentor for providing the initial funding for her research project.

COMPLEX

While the nation remains heavily indebted to international lenders, its citizens are equally indebted to the healthcare workers who managed the recent crisis with limited resources.

Usage

Typically follows a linking verb and takes the preposition 'to' for the recipient and 'for' for the reason.

Pitfall

I am indebted with youI am indebted to youThe adjective takes the preposition 'to' when identifying the person or entity to whom gratitude or money is owed.

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