debt

Money or something else that you must give back to another person.

• I have a debt to pay.
• He repaid his debts last year.
• How much debt does the company have?

How to use it: debt to someone (She has a debt to the bank.)

Similar words: money owed

Common phrases: pay a debt, repay a debt, clear a debt

The situation of owing money to someone.

• We are in debt.
• She worked hard to get out of debt.
• Are you still deeply in debt?

How to use it: in debt to someone (We are still in debt to the bank.); get into debt (They got into debt after losing their jobs.)

Similar words: indebtedness

Common phrases: in debt, get into debt, out of debt

Something you feel you should do or give because someone has helped you.

• I owe you a debt of gratitude.
• Helping her family repaid a personal debt.
• We owe a great debt to those who protected us.

How to use it: owe someone a debt of gratitude (I owe my teacher a debt of gratitude.)

Similar words: obligation

Common phrases: debt of gratitude, owe a debt, repay a debt