verb
Provided or handed something to someone.
The students were given extra time.
Common phrases & grammar
be given permission · be given a chance
American English
How to pronounce given
verb · preposition · adjective · nounB2Very common word
GIHvihn
/ˈgɪ.vɪn/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Provided or handed something to someone.
What to listen for
“Given” is usually pronounced /ˈgɪ.vɪn/. In natural speech, the last syllable may become very short, sounding closer to /ˈgɪ.vn̩/.
Meanings & examples
prepositionformal
Considering a particular fact or situation.
Given the high cost, we chose a cheaper option.
Common phrases & grammar
given the circumstances · given the situation
adjectiveformal
Specific or particular, not any one.
At any given time, thousands of people are online.
Common phrases & grammar
at a given time · a given amount
nounformalless common
A fact accepted as true without proof.
We cannot take safety as a given.
Common phrases & grammar
take something as a given · a basic given
Related words & forms
Give is irregular: its past form is gave and its past participle is given.