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.

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