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Lend: meaning, definitions and examples

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lend

 

[lend /lɛnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

money

to give something to someone for a period of time, expecting that it will be given back

Synonyms

advance, borrow, loan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lend

This word is often used when you give something to someone temporarily, especially money or an item, and expect it to be returned.

  • Can you lend me your pen for a moment?
  • I'll lend you $50, but make sure to pay me back by Friday.
loan

This word is often used in financial contexts and can mean both the act of lending and the amount of money lent. It generally implies a more formal arrangement, often documented by a contract.

  • The bank approved my loan application.
  • He took out a loan to pay for his tuition.
borrow

This word is used when you take something from someone with the intention of returning it. Unlike 'lend', it focuses on the receiving end of the transaction.

  • May I borrow your book for the weekend?
  • She borrowed $100 from her brother to buy groceries.
advance

This term is typically used in more formal or professional settings. It can refer to giving money before it is due, such as an advance on a salary. It also implies progress or moving forward.

  • The company agreed to advance me my salary for next month.
  • We need to advance this project ahead of schedule.

Examples of usage

  • He lent me $20 until payday.
  • Can you lend me your car for the weekend?
Context #2 | Verb

help

to give something to someone for a short period of time, expecting that it will be returned

Synonyms

give, offer, provide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lend

Used when temporarily giving something to someone with the expectation that it will be returned.

  • Can you lend me your book for a week?
  • She lent her car to a friend for the weekend.
give

Used when transferring possession of something to someone without expecting it to be returned.

  • Jack decided to give his old clothes to charity.
  • Please give the documents to the manager.
offer

Used when presenting something to someone for them to accept or reject.

  • She offered him a cup of tea.
  • They offered assistance to the victims of the disaster.
provide

Used when making something available or supplying something to someone.

  • The company provides health insurance to its employees.
  • The guide provided detailed information about the museum.

Examples of usage

  • Can you lend me a hand with this project?
  • She always lends a listening ear to her friends.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'lend' comes from Old English 'lendan', which meant 'to allow to borrow'.
  • In Middle English, it transformed to 'lenden', showing a shift towards its modern usage.
  • Related to the German word 'leihen', meaning 'to loan', showing a common ancestry in Germanic languages.

Finance

  • Lending can occur between friends, but banks also lend money, charging interest for their service.
  • The lending process is essential in economics as it enables investment and spending, promoting growth.
  • Peer-to-peer lending has become popular online, allowing individuals to lend money directly to others.

Psychology

  • Lending can create social bonds, as individuals often feel closer to those they help with loans.
  • Research indicates that people who lend are often perceived as more trustworthy and generous.
  • The act of lending can influence our feelings of empathy, prompting us to help others when we can.

Literature

  • Lending appears as a major theme in many stories, often representing trust and relationships.
  • In Shakespeare’s works, the idea of lending subtly connects to themes of loyalty and betrayal.
  • Classic literature frequently explores the moral implications of lending, revealing characters' true natures.

Technology

  • Digital lending of books and media has grown, allowing users to borrow ebooks instantly.
  • Blockchain technology is being applied to lending platforms, making transactions secure and transparent.
  • Various apps and platforms now facilitate lending, making it easier than ever to borrow money or items.

Translations

Translations of the word "lend" in other languages:

🇵🇹 emprestar

🇮🇳 उधार देना

🇩🇪 leihen

🇮🇩 meminjamkan

🇺🇦 давати в борг

🇵🇱 pożyczać

🇯🇵 貸す (kasu)

🇫🇷 prêter

🇪🇸 prestar

🇹🇷 ödünç vermek

🇰🇷 빌려주다 (bilryeojuda)

🇸🇦 إعارة (i'ara)

🇨🇿 půjčit

🇸🇰 požičať

🇨🇳 借出 (jièchū)

🇸🇮 posoditi

🇮🇸 lána

🇰🇿 қарыз беру

🇬🇪 სესხება (seskheba)

🇦🇿 borc vermək

🇲🇽 prestar

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,803 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.