owe
UK[əʊ]US[oʊ]
v
To need to pay or repay money to a person, bank, business, etc.
v
To need to give something to someone because they deserve it or because it is your duty.
Etymology
The verb 'owe' originates from the Old English 'āgan', meaning "to have, to own". This Old English term is derived from the Proto-Germanic 'aiganą', which also meant "to possess". The semantic shift from "to own" to "to be under obligation to repay" is a fascinating development in meaning. It reflects a logical connection where possession creates a debt of responsibility or a duty to return what is held. This core sense of obligation, rooted in the concept of possession, passed through Middle English (as 'owen', 'aȝen') and solidified into our modern abstract meaning of being indebted, whether financially or morally.
Analysis
The word 'owe' is a simplex word of Old English origin. It does not contain separable morphemes in its modern English form.
Examples
I still owe the bank a large sum for my student loan.
She felt she owed her success to her supportive family.
You owe me an apology for what you said.