buy - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
buy Word Meanings
- to acquire something by paying for it
- to obtain in exchange for money
- to convince someone of something
buy Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
buy Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/baɪ/
US
/baɪ/
buy Word Etymology
buy = by + root 'cūþian' (to offer) → Old English 'bycgan' → English 'buy'. Visualize someone extending their hand forward to offer money in exchange for an item, akin to a handshake.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
First you reach for the item, your hand moves toward it and you grip the weight in your palm. You pull it toward you, then step to the register as the price looms, your mind nudging you to decide. There’s a push of effort—checking the total, weighing the want against the plan—then you commit and set the money down. The moment is done, the thing becomes yours, a small shift from desire to decision that you carry into future use.
Real Context
buy is a versatile verb meaning to obtain something by paying money. It covers acquiring goods or services, and can also be used figuratively to mean persuading someone to accept a proposal or to believe something, as in buy his story. In everyday life you buy groceries, buy a book, or buy a house. Learners often confuse buy with obtain or acquire without payment, and misapply prepositions (buy for vs buy from). They may also mix up buy with bring or pay in certain phrases. The core image is handing money in exchange for an item, like a handshake, which helps memory.
Usage Reminders
- Use buy for paying money to obtain something
- Do not use buy when you mean obtain without paying
- Pair with common nouns: buy a book, buy groceries, buy a house
- Remember prepositions: buy from (source), buy for (purpose/recipient)
- Note that buy can be used figuratively, as in buy his story
Common Misconceptions
- Buying always involves money; some learners think you can buy with other resources
- Buy and purchase are exactly the same in all contexts
- Buy is only used for physical goods, not services
- You must always use a preposition after buy (e. g., buy for, buy from) in every sentence
- Buying a story is always informal or wrong
Thinking Differences
English tends to frame buy around explicit payment and concrete objects, plus a broad figurative usage; learners must track prepositions and the formal vs informal tone.
Learning Tips
- Practice with common collocations like buy a book, buy groceries, buy a house
- Differentiate buy from obtain/get in non-payment contexts
- Note subtlety with prices: buy for $X vs buy X for Y
- Use purchase for formal writing
- Practice sentences aloud to fix pronunciation
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'buy' correctly?
A.I have to buy the exam next week.
B.She bought a new book with her friends.
C.He buys a car to school every day.
D.They buying lunch at the cafeteria.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'buy'?
A.Listen
B.Swim
C.Rent
D.Dance
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'buy'?
A.Barter
B.Receive
C.Trade
D.Steal
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario involving purchasing?
A.Getting dressed in the morning
B.Cooking dinner with family
C.Grocery shopping at the supermarket
D.Attending a school lecture
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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