past and past participle
Got something by paying money for it in the past; it also appears with have, has, or had to show that this purchase happened.
She bought a new dress yesterday.
They have bought a house near the lake.
American English
How to pronounce bought
verbA1Very common word
BAWT
/bɔt̚/
One syllable.
Form of buy
Bought is both the past form and the past participle of buy.
Got something by paying money for it in the past; it also appears with have, has, or had to show that this purchase happened.
What to listen for
“Bought” is usually pronounced /bɔt/. In some American accents it is pronounced /bɑt/; both are correct.
Common pronunciation/bɔt̚/
Also heard in some American accents/bɑt̚/
Meanings & examples
past and past participle
Believed or accepted an idea, excuse, or explanation in the past; it can also appear with have, has, or had.
Nobody bought his excuse.
Many people have bought that story.
Good to know
In this sense, bought means believed or accepted, not paid money for something.
Useful expressions
to get more time before you must act or decide
The meeting bought us time.
to accept or believe an idea
She didn't buy into the plan.
a special offer in which you receive a second item at no extra cost
These shirts are buy one, get one free.
Related words & forms
Use bought for past actions and after have; never say buyed.