debt

Everyday

1. A debt is money that you owe to someone. tree →
2. Debt is the state of owing money (be in debt). tree →
3. A debt of gratitude is a feeling that you owe someone thanks for their help. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and money lessons, a debt can be shown as a negative number: if you have £5 and owe £8, you are £3 in debt. In everyday life, borrowing on a credit card or loan creates debt that must be paid back, usually with interest. Phrases: in debt, out of debt, pay off a debt, owe a debt, get into debt.

Examples

• He paid back his debt to his sister. tree →
• If you borrow money, you are in debt. tree →
• It took them years to get out of debt. tree →
• I owe you a debt of gratitude for helping me. tree →
• If I have £2 and owe £5, my debt is £3. tree →
• Credit cards can lead people into debt. tree →
• The company had huge debts. tree →
• “We will pay your debts,” they said. tree →

Note

Countable (a debt, debts) and uncountable (in debt). The «b» is silent: DET. Trap: «in debt» means you owe money; a debt is like a negative amount, so paying it off brings you back to zero.

In Jewish tradition

Money or goods owed. The Torah has laws to protect the poor who borrow, such as returning a pledge.

Interpretation. Jewish law forbids oppressing a debtor and requires returning a pledge. Tradition also teaches release of debts in the seventh year.

Examples

• Be thou not of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts; (Writings PRO.22.26, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he said: 'Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy sons of the rest.' (Prophets 2KI.4.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• and hath not wronged any, but hath restored his pledge for a debt, hath taken nought by robbery, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; (Prophets EZK.18.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable (a debt, debts) and uncountable (in debt). The «b» is silent: DET. Trap: «in debt» means you owe money; a debt is like a negative amount, so paying it off brings you back to zero.