Renting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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renting

[หˆrษ›ntษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

real estate

The action of renting property; the state of being rented.

Synonyms

hire, leasing, letting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
renting

As previously described, used when paying for temporary use of property, vehicles, or equipment usually for a longer period.

  • We are renting an apartment in the city
  • Renting a car for a month turned out to be very convenient
leasing

Used in financial and business contexts to describe long-term rental agreements, often involving equipment, property, or vehicles. Leasing often includes terms for purchase at the end of the lease.

  • She decided on leasing a new car instead of buying one
  • Our company is leasing the office space for the next five years
letting

Common in British English, it refers to renting out a property to someone. Usually denotes the act of a landlord offering property for rent.

  • They are letting their house while they travel abroad
  • The company specializes in letting commercial properties
hire

Often used in British English to mean renting something temporarily, usually for a shorter period. Can also refer to employing someone.

  • We decided to hire a van for the weekend trip
  • They plan to hire ten new employees next month

Examples of usage

  • The renting market is booming in the city.
  • She decided to invest in renting out apartments for extra income.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The payment made by a tenant at intervals in order to occupy a property.

Synonyms

charge, fee, payment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
renting

Used when you temporarily pay to use something such as an apartment, a car, or equipment. Often for a longer-term period.

  • We are renting an apartment in the city center; He is renting a car for his vacation
payment

A general term for any act of paying money, whether it's a single instance or recurring. Applied broadly to many situations.

  • He made the payment through an online app; She missed her last loan payment
fee

Typically a payment made to a professional person or to an institution, often regularly or for a specific service. Implies a formal context.

  • The bank charges a monthly maintenance fee; The lawyer's fee was quite high
charge

Refers to the amount of money required for a service or product, often one-time. Can also mean an accusation or responsibility but generally focuses on the cost in this context.

  • The electrician gave us a reasonable charge for the repair; They charge $20 for delivery

Examples of usage

  • The monthly rent includes all utilities.
  • He couldn't afford the rent for the apartment.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

A particular instance of renting something.

Synonyms

hire, letting, loan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
renting

This word is commonly used when you pay to use something, usually for a longer period, and typically applies to property or larger items like cars.

  • We are renting an apartment downtown.
  • They are renting a car for their trip.
hire

Hire is often used in the context of employing someone, but it can also refer to renting something for a short period, especially in British English.

  • We need to hire a new manager for the team.
  • She hired a bike for the weekend.
loan

Loan typically refers to borrowing money from a bank or financial institution. It can also be used when borrowing an item, usually without a fee involved, for a certain period.

  • She took a loan to buy her car.
  • He gave me a loan of his book until I finish my research.
letting

Letting is primarily used in British English and refers to the act of renting out a property to someone. It usually involves landlords and tenants.

  • They are letting out their house while they are abroad.
  • We checked several letting agencies before finding an apartment.

Examples of usage

  • I need to return the DVD I got on rent last week.
  • The car rental service has good reviews.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The concept of renting dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, where land and properties were rented out for agriculture.
  • In medieval Europe, renting became common as many people did not own land and needed places to live or work.
  • The term 'rent' comes from the Old French word 'rente,' which means 'income' or 'revenue,' reflecting the landlord's earnings.

Legal Aspects

  • Rental agreements, also known as leases, are legal documents that outline the relationship between a landlord and tenant, protecting their rights.
  • Most countries have specific laws regarding tenant protections, such as regulations against unfair eviction or rent increases.
  • The Fair Housing Act in the U.S. ensures renters cannot be discriminated against based on personal characteristics like race or gender.

Economic Impact

  • Renting contributes significantly to local economies, providing revenue to landlords and fostering housing availability.
  • In urban areas, the rental market often reflects economic fluctuations, affecting housing prices and availability.
  • Many people choose to rent as it offers flexibility and lower upfront costs compared to buying a home, especially in expensive cities.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, renting is seen as a practical choice, while others view homeownership as a sign of stability and success.
  • The rise of shared living spaces and co-housing reflects changing attitudes toward community and renting in modern society.
  • Popular television shows often depict the struggles of young adults navigating the rental market, raising awareness about housing challenges.

Sustainability

  • Renting can be viewed as a more sustainable lifestyle choice, allowing people to access homes without the need for extensive resource consumption involved in ownership.
  • The sharing economy has influenced renting practices, encouraging shared or rental services for items like cars, tools, and even clothing.
  • As cities grow, renting can help reduce urban sprawl, preserving green spaces and promoting efficient land use.

Origin of 'renting'

The word 'renting' originates from the Old French word 'renter', which means 'to yield' or 'to surrender'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. Initially, it referred to paying a fee for temporary use of something. Over time, the term 'renting' has evolved to encompass various forms of leasing or hiring properties or goods for a specified period in exchange for payment.


See also: rent, rental, renter.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,201, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.