buy

/bai/
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buy

She uses her allowance to buy a new book at the bookstore.

Definition
  1. Verb:

    • To obtain something in exchange for money: The primary meaning of "buy" is to acquire possession, ownership, or rights to something by paying money for it.
    • To accept something as true or valid: In informal contexts, "buy" can mean to believe or accept an idea, story, or explanation.
    • To bribe or corrupt: "Buy" can mean to illegally influence someone, often a person in authority, by giving them money or favors.
    • To be exchangeable for a purchase: Used to indicate that a sum of money is sufficient to acquire a specific item or service.
  2. Noun:

    • An advantageous purchase: Refers to something bought, especially when it is considered a good deal or a bargain for the price paid.
Usage Examples
  • Verb:

    • I need to buy groceries for the week. (To obtain in exchange for money.)
    • I don't buy his excuse for being late. (To accept as true.)
    • The politician was accused of trying to buy votes. (To bribe or corrupt.)
    • Ten dollars will buy you a decent lunch here. (To be exchangeable for.)
  • Noun:

    • This car was a great buy; it was very reliable and inexpensive. (An advantageous purchase.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to buy into something": To accept an idea or belief; to purchase shares in a company.

    • He completely bought into the philosophy of minimalism. (Accepted the idea.)
    • She bought into the tech startup early. (Purchased shares.)
  • "to buy time": To delay an event or decision, often by using excuses or actions.

    • He asked for another report just to buy time before the meeting. (To delay.)
  • "to buy it" (slang): To be killed or to die; or, to accept a proposition or answer (e.g., "I'll buy it" meaning "I give up, tell me the answer").

    • If you're not careful, you'll buy it on that dangerous road. (To be killed.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Buyer (n): A person who makes a purchase.

    • The buyer was satisfied with the product.
  • Buyable (adj): Capable of being purchased; susceptible to bribery.

    • The concert tickets are still buyable online.
  • Buyback (n): The act of repurchasing something one has sold.

    • The company announced a share buyback program.
Synonyms
  • Purchase (v): A more formal synonym for "buy."
  • Acquire (v): To come into possession of, not necessarily by purchase.
  • Believe (v): Synonym for the informal meaning of accepting as true.
  • Bribe (v): Synonym for the meaning of corrupting with payment.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Buy off: To bribe someone to ignore or stop something.

    • They tried to buy off the witness.
  • Buy out: To purchase someone's share or interest in something, gaining full control.

    • The partner was bought out of the business.
  • Buy up: To purchase large quantities of something, often all that is available.

    • Investors bought up all the available stock.
Related Idioms
  • Buy a pig in a poke: To buy something without seeing it or knowing its value, thus risking a bad purchase.

    • Ordering that used car online was like buying a pig in a poke.
  • The best money can buy: Of the highest quality available for purchase.

    • We hired the best lawyers money can buy.
buy

She uses her allowance to buy a new book at the bookstore.

Noun
  1. an advantageous purchase
    • she got a bargain at the auction
    • the stock was a real buy at that price
Verb
  1. accept as true
    • I can't buy this story
  2. acquire by trade or sacrifice or exchange
    • She wanted to buy his love with her dedication to him and his work
  3. be worth or be capable of buying
    • This sum will buy you a ride on the train
  4. make illegal payments to in exchange for favors or influence
    • This judge can be bought
  5. obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction
    • The family purchased a new car
    • The conglomerate acquired a new company
    • She buys for the big department store