To borrow means to take something that belongs to someone else with the understanding that you'll return it later. When you borrow a pencil from a classmate, you're promising to give it back when you're done. When you borrow a book from the library, you agree to return it by the due date.

Borrowing is built on trust. The person lending believes you'll take care of their property and bring it back in good condition. If you borrow your friend's bike and return it muddy and broken, they probably won't lend to you again. But if you're responsible with borrowed things, people know they can count on you.

The word also applies to money. When someone borrows money from a bank to buy a house, they promise to pay it back over time, usually with extra money called interest. Adults borrow money for cars, homes, or businesses, creating a formal agreement about repayment.

You can also borrow ideas or words. English has borrowed thousands of words from other languages. A writer might borrow a plot device from Shakespeare. Scientists borrow concepts from each other's research to build new discoveries.

Remember: borrowing isn't the same as stealing. A borrower always intends to return what they've borrowed.