26984 words

gives

24 definitions • 57 examples
1
to offer something to someone, or to provide someone with something:

Examples:

[ + two objects ] She gave us a set of saucepans as a wedding present.
Can you give me a date for another appointment?
They never gave me a chance/choice.
Has the director given you permission to do that?
[ + adv/prep ] We always try to give to charity.
We're collecting for the children's home - please give generously.
give (out) something to someone The police gave (out) road-safety booklets to the children (= gave them to all the children).
give (up) your seat Please give (up) your seat to an elderly or disabled person if they need it.
2
to pay someone a particular amount:

Examples:

I gave the taxi driver £20 and told him to keep the change.
3
to give your money, time, or best efforts, especially in a way that seems generous:

Examples:

We're very grateful to all the people who have given of their time.
4
to put a lot of effort into doing something:

Examples:

We must be finished by tonight, so I want you to give it your all.
5
to tell someone something:

Examples:

give something out The winner's name was given (out)/They gave the winner's name (out) on the news.
[ + two objects ] Can you give Jo a message for me?
6
to punish someone by sending them to prison for a particular period:

Examples:

[ + two objects ] If you're found guilty, they'll give you three years.
7
to allow a person or activity a particular amount of time:

Examples:

[ + two objects ] I'm nearly ready - just give me a couple of minutes.
8
to calculate that something will last a particular amount of time:

Examples:

[ + two objects ] Look at that old car she bought - I give it two weeks before it breaks down.
9
to produce or cause something:

Examples:

[ + two objects ] The fresh air gave us an appetite (= made us hungry).
What you said has given me an idea.
give (out) The alarm gave (out) a high-pitched sound.
10
to tell someone something or cause someone to think that something is true:

Examples:

I was given to understand she was staying at this hotel.
11
to tell someone something or cause someone to think that something is true:

Examples:

Upon quitting home, she gave it to be understood that she was about to visit her aunt in the Rue des Drômes.
He even gave it to be understood that there has been some kind of massacre.
I did not say, as you gave it to be believed, that the gentleman was to blame.
12
to perform an action:

Examples:

[ + two objects ] She gave me a smile/strange look.
give something a push They had to give the car a push to start it.
give someone a call/ring Give me a call/ring (= phone me) when you get back from holiday.
13
to organize a party, meal, etc.:

Examples:

They're always giving parties.
14
to attempt something:

Examples:

Only a few people are successful as professional athletes, but it's worth giving it a go.
15
to say publicly that everyone present at a formal occasion, especially a meal, should drink a toast to someone (= have a drink in honour of someone):

Examples:

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the president!
16
If something gives, it stretches, bends, or breaks, or becomes less firm or tight, under pressure:

Examples:

give under/with The rope gave under/with the weight of the load.
The shoes will give a little after you've worn them once or twice.
figurative You can't work so hard all the time - something will have to give (= change).
give (out) figurative Suddenly her patience gave (out) and she shouted angrily at the children.
17
in some sports, to decide and state officially that a player or the ball is in a particular condition or place:

Examples:

The umpire gave the batsman out.
The ball was clearly out, but the line judge gave it in.
18

Examples:

A sweater knitted in pure cotton doesn't have much give (= will not stretch much).
19
to offer something of your own to another person or thing, or to allow something you own or control to be owned or used by another:

Examples:

We’re collecting for the Red Cross – please give what you can.
We’re giving Helen a salad bowl/We’re giving a salad bowl to Helen as a wedding present.
Give me back my book/Give my book back (= Return my book).
Give her enough time (= Allow her to have enough time) to finish the exam.
20
to produce or cause something:

Examples:

He gave me a hard push.
Give me a phone call when you get home.
The president is giving a speech tonight.
The fresh air gave us an appetite (= made us hungry).
We’re giving a birthday party for Kareem.
He gave me the impression (= He made me think) that the deal would go through.
This car has given (= caused) me lots of trouble ever since I got it.
21

Examples:

New shoes will give a little after you’ve worn them a few times.
fig. The negotiations are completely deadlocked, and neither side will give an inch (= each refuses to change its position even a little).
22
to offer something to someone or provide them with it, especially without asking for any payment:

Examples:

give sb sth Can you give me a date for another appointment?
give sth to sb We gave over 200 free copies of the software to a local educational institution.
23
to pay a particular amount of money to someone for something:

Examples:

give sth for sth What would you give for this painting?
There are people starving as a result of the disaster, so please give generously.
24
to allow a person or activity a particular amount of time:

Examples:

You should give at least two days for writing the report.
give sb a moment/minute/second I'm nearly finished - just give me a moment.

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