Debt
(Noun) | Pronunciation: /dɛt/ (the “b” is silent)
Definition & Meaning
The word “debt” refers to money, goods, or services that one party owes to another. It can be financial, moral, or social.
- In Finance – A sum of money borrowed and expected to be paid back with interest.
- In Ethics & Morality – A sense of obligation or gratitude.
- In Law – A legally binding responsibility to repay.
💡 Did You Know? The global debt runs into trillions of dollars, with countries borrowing to fund development!
Word Origin & History
- Etymology: Derived from Latin “debitum”, meaning “something owed,” which came from “debere”, meaning “to owe.”
- Historical Usage: Used since the 14th century in financial and moral contexts.
- Cultural Influence: Debt has played a key role in economies, literature, and religious texts.
📖 Example: He took a loan and is now struggling with debt.
Synonyms & Antonyms
🔹 Synonyms (Similar Meanings)
- Loan
- Liability
- Obligation
- Deficit
🔻 Antonyms (Opposite Meanings)
- Credit
- Profit
- Surplus
- Asset
💡 Word Tip: The phrase “in debt” means owing money, while “out of debt” means being free from financial obligations.
Example Sentences
✅ He is working hard to pay off his debt.
✅ Many students graduate with a lot of debt.
✅ She felt a debt of gratitude to her mentor.
✅ The country’s national debt has increased significantly.
✅ The company went bankrupt due to excessive debt.
✅ He borrowed money and is now struggling with debt repayment.
✅ Taking on too much debt can lead to financial problems.
✅ She cleared her debt in just two years.
✅ Governments often issue bonds to manage national debt.
📌 Challenge: Can you use “debt” in a sentence related to gratitude?
Related Words & Phrases
These words are commonly linked to “debt”:
- Loan
- Interest
- Bankruptcy
- Mortgage
- Obligation
- Liability
- Financial burden
- Credit score
Example: A good credit score helps in getting loans at low debt interest rates.
Usage Trends & Popularity
🧐 Trending Now: Many people discuss student debt, credit card debt, and national debt in economic news.
📢 Discuss: Is debt always bad, or can it be beneficial in certain situations?
Fun Activities & Challenges
🔠 Word Puzzle: Unscramble this word → B T E D
🧠 Quick Quiz:
💭 What does “debt” mean?
A) Owing money or gratitude ✅
B) A financial surplus
C) A form of investment
✍ Word Story Challenge: Write a short paragraph using “debt” in a creative way!
User Contributions & Comments
💬 Share Your Thoughts: Have you ever had to manage a debt? How did you handle it?
📢 Join the discussion below!
Advanced Learning & Fun Facts
Idioms & Phrases
- “In deep debt” – Owing a lot of money.
- “A debt of gratitude” – Feeling thankful for someone’s help.
- “Debt-ridden” – Being burdened with too much debt.
Economic & Financial Use
- Public debt refers to the total borrowing of a country.
- Debt-to-income ratio is used to measure financial stability.
Famous Quotes
“Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt.”
— Herbert Hoover
💡 Did You Know? The word “debit” comes from the same root as “debt”, both meaning “owed”!