lend
LEHND
Lend (verb) means to let someone use something of yours for a while, on the understanding they will give it back. Example: “Would you mind lending me your ladder for the weekend, please?”
verb
1
To let someone use something of yours for a while, on the understanding they will give it back.
"Would you mind lending me your ladder for the weekend, please?"
"Can you lend me your umbrella until Friday?"
"The library lends books for three weeks at a time."
2
To give someone money temporarily, usually expecting it back with interest.
"Banks usually lend money only to people who can prove they can repay it."
"The bank refused to lend him any more money."
"She lent her brother five hundred pounds to fix his car."
3
To add or contribute a particular quality to something.
"A bright red scarf can lend a simple outfit some real personality."
"The candles lend the room a warm, cosy feel."
"His experience lends real credibility to the report."
How to use lend
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo let someone borrow something, whether it's an object, money, or even a quality like credibility.
Common mistake
Lend and borrow point in opposite directions: you lend something TO someone, and you borrow something FROM someone. Don't say "can I lend your pen" when you mean "can I borrow your pen."
Common pairings
lend money
lend a hand
lend credibility
lend an ear
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Word forms
- Plural
- lends
- Third person singular
- lends
- Past tense
- lent
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Would you mind _____ me your ladder for the weekend, please?
Etymology
From Old English lǣnan, "to grant or give as a loan" — related to the noun "loan" itself.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for lend
See all rhymes for 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.'
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