owed

3 definitions • 7 examples

past simple and past participle of

to need to pay or give something to someone because they have lent money to you, or in exchange for something they have done for you:

[ + two objects ] I owe Janet $50.

We still owe $1,000 on our car (= we still need to pay $1,000 before we own our car).

I owe you a drink for helping me move.

I think you owe (= should give) me an explanation/apology.

to have success, happiness, a job, etc. only because of what someone has given you or done for you or because of your own efforts:

I owe my success to my education.

He owes his life to the staff at the hospital.

I owe everything (= I am very grateful) to my parents.