borrower

Everyday

1. A person who borrows something, such as a book from a library. tree →
2. A person or business that borrows money from a bank and must pay it back, often with extra (interest). tree →

In the lessons

In libraries: borrowers have library cards. In maths and money lessons: a borrower pays back the loan plus interest. In stories: "The Borrowers" are tiny people who borrow things from humans. Phrases: library borrower, first-time borrower.

Examples

• Each borrower can take out five books. tree →
• The borrower must pay back the loan. tree →
• The Borrowers live under the floorboards. tree →
• Borrowers who return books late pay a fine. tree →
• A borrower took 100 pounds and paid back 110. tree →
• Every borrower needs a library card. tree →

Note

Opposite: lender. "Neither a borrower nor a lender be" is a famous line from Shakespeare. Maths: amount paid back = amount borrowed + interest.

In Jewish tradition

One who takes a loan. Proverbs says he becomes servant to the lender.

Interpretation. Jewish law bans charging interest to a fellow Israelite and urges generous lending. The proverb is read as a warning about the weight of debt.

Examples

• The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (Writings PRO.22.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Opposite: lender. "Neither a borrower nor a lender be" is a famous line from Shakespeare. Maths: amount paid back = amount borrowed + interest.