loan
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for loan, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sum of money lent to someone on the understanding that it will be paid back, often with interest.
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.
How to use loan
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old Norse lán, related to the verb "to leave (over)" — the same root family as "lend".
Full origin of loan →Frequently asked questions
What does “loan” mean?
The word “loan” means a sum of money lent to someone on the understanding that it will be paid back, often with interest. In plain terms, money or an item given to someone temporarily, usually with the expectation it will be given back.
How do you pronounce “loan”?
“Loan” is pronounced lohn (/loʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “loan” in a sentence?
Here is “loan” used in a sentence: “They took out a loan to buy their first car.”
What part of speech is “loan”?
Depending on how it is used, “loan” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “loan” come from?
The word “loan” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse lán, related to the verb "to leave (over)" — the same root family as "lend".
Is “loan” a common word?
“Loan” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “loan” have?
“Loan” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sum of money lent to someone on the understanding that it will be paid back, often with interest.
What is the difference between a loan and a gift?
A loan is money given with the expectation that it will be paid back, usually with interest and on agreed terms. A gift is given freely, with no obligation to return it. The defining difference is repayment: a loan creates a debt, while a gift transfers money or property outright.
What are the main types of loans?
Common loans include personal loans for general use, mortgages to buy property, auto loans for vehicles, and student loans for education. Loans can be secured, backed by an asset like a house or car, or unsecured, based on the borrower's creditworthiness alone. Terms, interest rates, and repayment periods vary by type.
What is the difference between a loan and interest?
A loan is the sum of money borrowed and expected to be repaid. Interest is the extra charge a lender adds for the service of lending, usually a percentage of the loan. The loan is the principal you receive; the interest is what you pay on top for the privilege of borrowing it.