Question

Explain the term "borrow". Describe the situation in which it is used. Describe the confusion that may result from its use. Offer an alternative term and explain how this term would be less confusing to students.

Answer 1

bor·row
[bor-oh, bawr-oh] Show IPA
verb (used with object)
1.
to take or obtain with the promise to return the same or an equivalent: Our neighbor borrowed my lawn mower.
2.
to use, appropriate, or introduce from another source or from a foreign source: to borrow an idea from the opposition; to borrow a word from French.
3.
Arithmetic . (in subtraction) to take from one denomination and add to the next lower.