lend
7 synonyms and 3 antonyms for lend, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To let someone use something of yours for a while, on the understanding they will give it back.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use lend
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English lǣnan, "to grant or give as a loan" — related to the noun "loan" itself.
Full origin of lend →Frequently asked questions
What does “lend” mean?
The word “lend” means to let someone use something of yours for a while, on the understanding they will give it back. In plain terms, to let someone borrow something, whether it's an object, money, or even a quality like credibility.
How do you pronounce “lend”?
“Lend” is pronounced LEHND (/ˈlɛnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “lend” in a sentence?
Here is “lend” used in a sentence: “Can you lend me your umbrella until Friday?”
What is another word for “lend”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lend” include lease, let and loan.
What is the opposite of “lend”?
The opposite of “lend” — its antonyms — are borrow, call and sell.
What part of speech is “lend”?
“Lend” is a verb.
Where does the word “lend” come from?
The word “lend” comes from Old English. From Old English lǣnan, "to grant or give as a loan" — related to the noun "loan" itself.
Is “lend” a common word?
“Lend” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between lend and borrow?
To lend is to give something to someone for temporary use, so the lender is the one who owns it and hands it over. To borrow is to receive and use something belonging to someone else, intending to return it. In short, you lend to others and borrow from them.
What is the difference between lend and loan?
Traditionally, lend is the verb and loan is the noun, as in 'I will lend you the money' and 'I took out a loan.' Using loan as a verb, as in 'loan me the money,' is common and accepted, especially in American English.
What is the past tense of lend?
The past tense and past participle of lend is lent. It is an irregular verb, following the pattern lend, lent, lent, so you say 'I lent him a book,' not 'I lended him a book.'