Rental Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rental

[ˈrɛnt(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

car

The act of renting a car for a temporary period of time, usually in exchange for payment. Rental cars are commonly used by travelers and those in need of temporary transportation.

Synonyms

charter, hire, lease, let.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rental	Use when referring to short-term accommodation or items like cars, bikes, and equipment. Often involves a business transaction for temporary use. We need to arrange a rental car for our trip. The vacation rental was perfect for our family.
hire	Use primarily in British English for renting items, cars, and also applies to employing people for roles or tasks. They hired a car for their holiday in Spain. We need to hire some temporary staff for the event.
lease	Commonly used for long-term renting, especially properties, apartments, and cars. Often involves a legal agreement. We signed a lease for the apartment yesterday. The company leased new office space downtown.
let	Used mainly in British English to refer to renting out property to tenants. They decided to let their house while they were abroad. The landlord let the apartment to a young couple.
charter	Best used when talking about hiring services for transportation, such as planes, boats, or buses, for a specific trip or event. We decided to charter a yacht for the weekend. The school chartered a bus for the field trip.

Examples of usage

I need to book a rental car for my upcoming trip.
She returned the rental car to the agency after the weekend.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

property

The leasing of property to a tenant for a specified period of time, usually in exchange for monthly payments. Rental properties can include apartments, houses, and commercial spaces.

Synonyms

hiring, leasing, leasing out, letting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rental	Another instance of 'rental', reinforcing its usage for short-term use of items, properties, or services. The bike rental was cheap and convenient. They made a reservation for a holiday rental.
leasing	Typically used for long-term rental agreements, often associated with property or vehicles. It involves a formal, legal contract. He is leasing an apartment downtown. They are leasing a fleet of trucks for their business.
letting	Primarily used in British English, it refers to renting out property, especially residential properties, to tenants. They are letting their house while they travel. She is letting a room in her apartment.
hiring	Commonly refers to the act of giving someone a job or the temporary use of an item or service. In some contexts, it can mean renting equipment for a short period. The company is hiring new employees for the summer. I'm hiring a DJ for the party.
leasing out	Describes the act of renting out property or equipment to someone for a long-term period, usually under a formal agreement. She is leasing out her condo while she is abroad. The company is leasing out its machinery to other businesses.

Examples of usage

They decided to invest in rental properties as a source of passive income.
The rental agreement includes a clause about maintenance responsibilities.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

Rental markets thrive in urban areas where buying property is often too expensive for many individuals.
In contemporary economics, rentals make up a significant part of the sharing economy, promoting resource efficiency.
Renting can provide a steady cash flow for property owners while offering flexibility to tenants.

Pop Culture

Several popular movies and TV shows revolve around characters living in rented apartments, showcasing urban lifestyles.
The musical 'Rent' famously explores themes of love, friendship, and struggle among young artists in a rental setting.
Reality shows about house-hunting often emphasize the excitement and challenges of finding the right rental.

Legal Aspects

Rental agreements are legally binding contracts that outline the terms between landlords and tenants.
In many places, laws protect tenants against unfair evictions and ensure proper living conditions in rentals.
Every renter should check local tenancy laws to understand their rights and responsibilities.

Technology

The rise of online rental platforms revolutionized how people find and secure rentals, making the process more accessible.
Apps and websites now allow for virtual tours of rental properties, enhancing the search experience.
Technology enables landlords to advertise properties broadly while providing tenants with convenient access to listings.

Origin of 'rental'

Main points about word origin

The term 'rental' comes from the word 'rent,' which has roots in the Latin word 'reddere,' meaning 'to give back.'
Initially used in the 15th century, it highlighted the temporary nature of borrowing properties or goods.
In Middle English, it was closely related to the concept of income or profit derived from leasing something.

The word 'rental' originated from the Old French word 'rentel' which meant 'revenue' or 'profit'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to refer to the act of renting or leasing property or goods. Over time, 'rental' has become a common term in various industries, including automotive, real estate, and equipment leasing.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,611, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4608 strengthen
4609 riding
4610 giant
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4612 useless
4613 activation
4614 locally
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