verb

emprunter

borrow

Prendre quelque chose à quelqu’un pour l’utiliser pendant un certain temps, puis le rendre.

Word: emprunter

Language: French

Part of Speech: Verb

Meaning and Explanation:

Emprunter means to borrow or to take something temporarily from someone else, with the expectation of returning it later.

It is often used when someone borrows an object, money, or even a route.
The verb typically implies temporariness and the permission or agreement to take something.

Breakdown of the Word:

em-: A prefix used to indicate "to put into" or starting an action.
prunter is derived from the root related to prendre (to take).

Together, it reinforces the idea of taking for temporary use.

Examples:

Emprunter un livre à la bibliothèque.
(To borrow a book from the library.)
Il a emprunté de l'argent à la banque.
(He borrowed money from the bank.)
Nous allons emprunter ce chemin pour éviter le trafic.
(We will take this path to avoid traffic.)

Synonyms:

Borrrow: prélever, prendre, se faire prêter
For routes: prendre

Antonyms:

Lend (to someone): prêter
Return: rendre

Additional Notes:

The verb emprunter is often confused with prêter:

Emprunter = you borrow something from someone.
Prêter = you lend something to someone.

Example:

Je emprunte un livre (I borrow a book).
Tu prêtes un livre (You lend a book).

Summary:

Emprunter means to borrow or to take temporarily (an object, money, or route), with the view of returning or finishing the use. It contrasts with prêter (to lend).