give
UK[ɡɪv]US[ɡɪv]
v
To freely transfer the possession of something to someone
v
To cause or allow someone to have something
v
To perform an action or produce a sound
Etymology
The word 'give' originates from the Old English 'giefan', meaning 'to give, bestow, grant, commit, devote, entrust'. This descended from the Proto-Germanic 'geban', which carried the same essential meaning. The Germanic root can be traced further back to the Proto-Indo-European 'ghabh-', meaning 'to take, hold, have, give', a root which interestingly encompassed both receiving and giving, reflecting a reciprocal transaction. Over centuries, the meaning in the Germanic branch specialized towards the act of bestowing, solidifying into the modern English verb we use today for the voluntary transfer of possession.
Analysis
This is a simplex word of Germanic origin. Its core form is a tight, indivisible root.
Examples
She decided to give her old books to the library.
Can you give me a reason for your decision?
The old floorboards give a little when you walk on them.