Lent: meaning, definitions and examples

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lent

 

[lɛnt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

financial assistance

To lend is to give something to someone temporarily with the expectation that it will be returned. It often involves money or tangible items such as books or equipment.

Synonyms

grant, loan, provide.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to lend me her favorite book.
  • The bank refused to lend him money for the car.
  • Can you lend me a pencil for the exam?
  • He lent his friend some tools for the project.
Context #2 | Verb

time or resources

To lend can also refer to the act of giving time or resources to aid someone or something. This usage emphasizes generosity and support.

Synonyms

contribute, offer, supply.

Examples of usage

  • He lent his time to help the charity.
  • Would you lend me your support during the meeting?
  • She lent her expertise to the project.
  • They lent their voices to the campaign.
Context #3 | Noun

financial transaction

A lend refers to the act or instance of lending something, particularly in terms of money or possessions.

Synonyms

advance, credit, loan.

Examples of usage

  • The lend was approved by the board.
  • Every lend comes with a certain level of risk.
  • A bank lend can affect your credit score.
  • He recorded the details of the last lend.

Interesting Facts

Religious Significance

  • Many Christians observe lent to reflect on their faith and prepare for Easter, remembering the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.
  • The practice includes giving up certain foods or habits, often represented by the phrase 'fasting' during the season.

Cultural Practices

  • In various cultures, lent traditions include pancake-making on Shrove Tuesday, as eaten to use up rich ingredients before the fasting begins.
  • Some communities incorporate communal meals and support each other in their lent commitments through group discussions and activities.

Historical Background

  • The word 'lent' comes from the Old English term 'lencten', meaning 'spring' or 'lengthening days', reflecting when this period occurs.
  • Historically, lent was meant to prepare new Christians for baptism at Easter, highlighting its deeper spiritual significance.

Psychological Perspective

  • Research shows that setting personal goals during lent can help cultivate self-discipline and promote a sense of achievement.
  • The act of giving something up often leads to increased mindfulness and awareness of one's habits and choices.

Global Observances

  • While primarily a Christian observance, variations of self-discipline practices during lent can be found in other religious traditions around the world.
  • In some cultures, people incorporate charitable acts or community service as part of their lent commitments, further promoting generosity.

Translations

Translations of the word "lent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 empréstimo

🇮🇳 उधार

🇩🇪 Darlehen

🇮🇩 pinjaman

🇺🇦 позика

🇵🇱 pożyczka

🇯🇵 貸し出し

🇫🇷 prêt

🇪🇸 préstamo

🇹🇷 ödünç

🇰🇷 대출

🇸🇦 قرض

🇨🇿 půjčka

🇸🇰 pôžička

🇨🇳 贷款

🇸🇮 posojilo

🇮🇸 lán

🇰🇿 заем

🇬🇪 სესხი

🇦🇿 borc

🇲🇽 préstamo

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,271 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.