lend
/lɛnd/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To give something to someone for a short time, with the expectation that it will be returned. It is often used for money, books, tools, or help.
- Can you lend me your pen?
- She lent him her bike for the day.
- The library lends books to students.
Adinary Nuance
Lend means you give something to someone for a time. Borrow means you take something from someone for a time. A speaker lends, and a receiver borrows. In business and formal writing, lend can also sound more serious than casual.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- cho mượn
- Spanish
- prestar
- Chinese
- 借给
- Japanese
- 貸す
- Korean
- 빌려주다
Etymology
Lend comes from Old English 'lǣnan', meaning to loan or give temporarily. It has been used in English since before the 12th century.
Common phrases
lend a handlend moneylend supportlend confidence
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between lend and borrow?
- Use **lend** when you give something. Use **borrow** when you take something from someone.
- Is lend formal or informal?
- It is common in everyday English and also fine in formal writing.
- Can I say lend me?
- Yes. **Lend me** is a very common structure in spoken and written English.