Owe
Origin
From Middle English owen, from Old English Ägan, from Proto-Germanic *aiganÄ…, from Proto-Indo-European *eik- ("ability, possession"). See also own, ought.
Full definition of owe
Verb
- To be under an obligation to give something back to someone or to perform some action for someone.
- To have debt, to be in debt.
Usage notes
The original past tense form was ought, which during Middle English began to be used with indefinite signification and has become a distinct verb. The original past participle has become the adjective own.