A1[I or T]to offer something to someone, or to provide them with it: [+ two objects]She gave us a set of saucepans as a wedding present.Can you give me a date for another appointment?They never gave me a chance/choice.Has the director given you permission to do that?[+ adv/prep]We always try to give to charity.We're collecting for the children's home - please give generously.The police gave (out) road-safety booklets to the children (= gave them to all the children).Please give (up) your seat to an elderly or disabled person if they require it.Giving, providing and supplyingB1[T]to pay someone a particular amount: I gave £40 for this pump and it's broken already!Paying and spending moneygive of your money, time, etc.formal›to give your money, time, or best efforts, especially in a way that seems generous: We're very grateful to all the people who have given of their time.UKShe wasn't feeling well, so I don't think she gave of her best tonight.Giving, providing and supplyinggive (sth)your all(US alsogive (sth)your best)old-fashioned›to put a lot of effort into doing something: We must be finished by tonight, so I want you to give it your all.Trying and making an effortEffort and expending energyA2[T]to tell someone something: The winner's name was given (out)/They gave the winner's name (out) on the news.[+ two objects]Can you give Jo a message for me?Announcing, informing and stating›[T]to punish someone by making them go to prison for a particular period: [+ two objects]If you're found guilty, they'll give you three years.Putting people in prisonB1[T]to allow a person or activity a particular amount of time: [+ two objects]I'm nearly ready - just give me a couple of minutes.Allowing and permitting›[T]informalto calculate that something will last a particular amount of time: [+ two objects]Look at that old car she's bought - I give it two weeks before it breaks down.Predicting things and intuition
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