Dictionary
English - Dutch

Buy

baɪ
Extremely common
300 - 400
300 - 400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

kopen, aanschaffen, verkrijgen, afnemen, omkopen

Buy meanings in Dutch

kopen

Example:
I want to buy a new phone.
Ik wil een nieuwe telefoon kopen.
She buys groceries every Saturday.
Ze koopt elke zaterdag boodschappen.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Everyday transactions, shopping
Note: This is the most common translation for 'buy', used in both formal and informal contexts.

aanschaffen

Example:
He decided to buy a car.
Hij besloot een auto aan te schaffen.
They are buying a house next year.
Ze zijn van plan volgend jaar een huis aan te schaffen.
Usage: formalContext: Acquiring significant items, like property or vehicles
Note: This term is more formal and often used for larger purchases or investments.

verkrijgen

Example:
You can buy the software online.
Je kunt de software online verkrijgen.
They managed to buy the necessary permits.
Ze slaagden erin de nodige vergunningen te verkrijgen.
Usage: formalContext: Obtaining something that may not be a traditional purchase
Note: This term can imply obtaining something that might not involve money directly.

afnemen

Example:
The store will buy back your old device.
De winkel zal je oude apparaat terugnemen.
They buy back returned merchandise.
Ze nemen geretourneerde goederen terug.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Return policies, resale
Note: Often used in the context of stores or businesses taking back items.

omkopen

Example:
He tried to buy off the official.
Hij probeerde de ambtenaar om te kopen.
It's illegal to buy someone for information.
Het is illegaal om iemand om te kopen voor informatie.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Bribery, unethical transactions
Note: This term has a negative connotation, relating to bribery or corruption.

Buy's synonyms

purchase

To acquire something by paying for it.
Example: I need to purchase a new laptop for work.
Note: Purchase is a formal term often used in professional or business contexts.

acquire

To gain possession or control of something.
Example: She acquired a rare painting at the auction.
Note: Acquire is a more general term that can refer to obtaining something through various means, not just by paying for it.

procure

To obtain or bring about by effort.
Example: The company needed to procure new equipment for the project.
Note: Procure implies obtaining something through effort or special means, often in a formal or official capacity.

obtain

To come into possession of something.
Example: He obtained a copy of the report from the archives.
Note: Obtain is a neutral term that can refer to acquiring something through various methods, including purchase.

get

To come into possession of something through one's actions.
Example: I need to get some groceries on the way home.
Note: Get is a common and informal term that can refer to acquiring something in a general sense, not necessarily through a transaction.

Buy expressions, common phrases

Buy time

To delay an event or action by using various tactics or excuses.
Example: He knew he was in trouble, so he tried to buy time by making excuses.
Note: The phrase 'buy time' does not involve an actual purchase but rather refers to delaying something.

Buy in

To accept or support a particular idea, plan, or belief.
Example: The team needs everyone to buy in to the new strategy for it to be successful.
Note: In this context, 'buy in' means to get others to believe in or support something, rather than a physical purchase.

Buy the farm

To die or pass away.
Example: He always talked about traveling the world before he bought the farm.
Note: This idiom is a euphemism for death and has no direct connection to purchasing property.

Buy off

To bribe someone in order to gain their favor or cooperation.
Example: The company tried to buy off the critics by offering them free products.
Note: In this context, 'buy off' involves offering something to influence someone's actions rather than a straightforward purchase.

Buy the bullet

To face a difficult situation or make a necessary but unpleasant decision.
Example: He had to buy the bullet and confess to his mistake.
Note: This phrase means to confront a challenging circumstance rather than making a literal purchase.

Buy into

To believe in or accept a particular concept or ideology.
Example: She didn't buy into the idea that success is solely based on luck.
Note: Similar to 'buy in,' this phrase emphasizes the acceptance or belief in an idea rather than a monetary transaction.

Buy the idea

To accept or approve of a proposal or suggestion.
Example: I'm not sure if the team will buy the idea of changing the project deadline.
Note: In this context, 'buy the idea' refers to accepting a proposal or suggestion rather than making a purchase.

Buy everyday (slang) expressions

Score

To obtain something, usually at a good deal or price.
Example: I scored a new laptop at a great price!
Note: It emphasizes getting something at a good value.

Splurge

To spend a lot of money on something indulgent or luxurious.
Example: I decided to splurge on those designer shoes.
Note: It implies spending extravagantly rather than just buying.

Snag

To grab or acquire something quickly, often before others.
Example: I managed to snag the last concert ticket!
Note: It conveys a sense of quick action or opportunity.

Cop

To buy or acquire something, especially clothing or accessories.
Example: I need to cop some new sneakers for the party.
Note: It is commonly used in informal contexts, especially related to fashion items.

Pick up

To buy or obtain something, often casually or spontaneously.
Example: I'm going to pick up some groceries on the way home.
Note: It suggests a casual or routine purchase.

Get hold of

To acquire or obtain something that may be difficult to find or access.
Example: I finally managed to get hold of that limited edition vinyl record.
Note: It implies overcoming obstacles or challenges to acquire something.

Grab

To quickly buy or obtain something, often used for small items or necessities.
Example: Can you grab some drinks for the party tonight?
Note: It emphasizes a swift action in acquiring something essential.

Buy - Examples

I want to buy a new phone.
Ik wil een nieuwe telefoon kopen.
She always buys fresh vegetables at the market.
Zij koopt altijd verse groenten op de markt.
The company decided to acquire a smaller competitor.
Het bedrijf besloot een kleinere concurrent te kopen.

Buy grammar

Buy - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: buy
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): buys
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): buy
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): bought
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): bought
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): buying
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): buys
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): buy
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): buy
Syllables, Separation and Stress
buy Contains 1 syllables: buy
Phonetic transcription: ˈbī
buy , ˈbī (The red syllable is stressed)

Buy - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
buy: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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