Indebted to 's definition, meaning and history

Meaning of “indebted to”

The phrase “indebted to” is an idiomatic expression that means to owe gratitude or thanks to someone for their help, support, or kindness. It is often used to acknowledge the assistance or favor that someone has provided and to express appreciation for their efforts.

For example, you might say “I am indebted to my parents for all their love and support” to show gratitude for the care and guidance they have given you. Or you could say “We are indebted to our colleagues for their hard work on the project” to recognize the contributions of others to a shared goal.

Here are some other things to know about “indebted to”:

• It is typically followed by a noun or noun phrase that describes the reason for the indebtedness, like “indebted to my friends for their help” or “indebted to the community for its support.”
• “Indebted to” is a formal expression in English, often used in writing or formal speech to express gratitude or appreciation.
• The phrase can be used to acknowledge a wide range of assistance or favors, from personal acts of kindness to professional support.
• “Indebted to” is often used in contexts where a debt of gratitude is owed, like in acknowledgments, speeches, or thank-you notes.

History of “indebted to”

The phrase “indebted to” has been in use for centuries, with its origins dating back to Middle English. Here’s what we know about its history:

• Early usage: The phrase “indebted to” first appeared in English in the 14th century, with early examples found in texts from the 1300s.
• Evolution of meaning: Over time, “indebted to” has come to be used more broadly to express gratitude or appreciation for assistance or support.
• Formality: “Indebted to” is considered a formal expression in English, often used in writing or formal speech to acknowledge help or kindness.
• Synonyms: Other phrases that can be used in place of “indebted to” include “grateful to,” “thankful to,” or “appreciative of.”

Overall, “indebted to” is a versatile expression in English that is used to acknowledge and express gratitude for the help, support, or kindness of others. It’s a common phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts to recognize the contributions of others and to show appreciation for their efforts.

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