give

Reading level: easy

Estimated CEFR level: A1 — Beginner

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
  2. verb cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
  3. verb be the cause or source of

Etymology

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

spring, springiness

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