give

Give is a verb meaning to transfer possession, ownership, or control of something from one person to another, usually without receiving payment, or to provide or cause something to be provided for another's benefit. It can also refer to granting permission, offering information, or performing an act intended to benefit someone else. In some contexts, a form of giving is a donation or gift.

The word give comes from Old English giefan (also spelled gifian) and is cognate with several other Germanic verbs. Its development is traced through Proto-Germanic *gebaną and related forms in other Indo-European languages.

Usage and grammar: Give is a transitive verb and typically appears with a direct object and an indirect recipient: "I gave the book to Maria" or "I gave Maria the book." The base form is give; past tense is gave; past participle is given. English also employs many phrasal verbs with give, such as give up, give in, give back, give away, and give out. Common collocations include give advice, give permission, give birth, and give rise to.

Semantics and context: The sense of giving ranges from simple transfer of objects to more abstract acts such as giving time, support, or information. In charitable or religious contexts, giving often emphasizes aid or generosity.

See also: Related concepts include donate, present, grant, provide, contribute, and bestow.