Give Meaning
Give Definition & Usage
To transfer possession of something to someone else.
Examples
- "She gave him a book for his birthday."
- "Can you give me that pen?"
- "He gave his friend the keys to his car."
- "They gave their employees a generous bonus this year."
- "Give me a chance to explain."
To offer or provide something, often in a metaphorical sense.
Examples
- "She gave a lot of her time to charity."
- "He gave his opinion on the matter."
- "The teacher gave a helpful explanation of the topic."
- "Can you give me some advice on how to improve?"
- "The conference gave valuable insights into the future of technology."
To indicate, express, or demonstrate something.
Examples
- "Her face gave away her surprise."
- "The loud noise gave me a headache."
- "The painting gives a sense of calm and serenity."
- "His words gave a clear signal that he was upset."
- "The data gives us insight into the problem."
To cause something to happen or lead to a particular result.
Examples
- "The new policy could give rise to unexpected consequences."
- "His actions gave the team a sense of urgency."
- "The rain gave the flowers a much-needed drink."
- "That joke gave everyone in the room a good laugh."
- "His attitude could give the impression that he is unfriendly."
Cultural Context
The verb 'give' has been used in English for over a thousand years, originating from the Old English word 'giefan.' It appears in various idiomatic expressions, metaphors, and even in legal language. The act of giving is central to many cultural and social rituals, such as gift-giving during holidays or charity work.
The Gift of Change
Story
The Gift of Change
Maya had always been the kind of person who gave without expecting anything in return. Her friends admired her generosity, but she never thought of herself as particularly remarkable. One afternoon, she sat in a cozy cafe with her longtime friend, Jack, who had just gone through a difficult breakup. Maya had noticed how low he seemed lately, and decided to give him a little something to lift his spirits. 'Here, Jack,' she said, handing him a small box wrapped in bright red paper. 'I know you've been going through a tough time, and I thought this might help.' Jack looked at the box, confused but touched. He opened it slowly to reveal a simple handwritten note and a small bottle of his favorite cologne. 'You didn't have to do this,' he said, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Maya shrugged. 'It’s not much, but sometimes it’s the little things that give you a sense of comfort.' As they chatted, Maya also gave Jack some advice about dealing with difficult emotions. 'You have to let yourself feel everything you're going through,' she said. 'But you also have to keep going, even when it feels hard.' Jack, who had been reluctant to open up before, finally gave in to the conversation and admitted that he hadn’t been dealing with the breakup well. As Maya gave him some more perspective, Jack began to feel the weight lifting from his shoulders. By the end of the afternoon, Jack felt a little better, though he knew it would take time. 'Thanks, Maya. You really gave me a new way to look at things today,' he said, grateful for her presence. 'It’s the least I could do,' Maya replied with a smile. 'Sometimes you just need someone to give you a reminder of who you are.' As they parted ways, Jack felt the kind of lightness he hadn’t experienced in weeks, all thanks to Maya’s gift and the advice she had given him.
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