Renting: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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 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.