Lent

/lɛnt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

past tense and past participle of lend, meaning to allow someone to use something of yours for a period of time, under the agreement that it will be returned.

She lent her car to her friend for the weekend.

to give temporarily to someone else.

He lent the book to a colleague who needed it for research.

to impart or contribute (something, such as a quality) to someone or something.

The artist lent a unique style to the project.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English 'lænan,' meaning to allow to remain.

Common Phrases and Expressions

lend a hand

To assist someone.

lend an ear

To listen to someone attentively.

to lend itself to

To be suitable for something.

Related Words

loan

To give something to someone with the expectation of its return.

borrow

To take and use something belonging to someone else with the intention of returning it.

rental

The action of renting something.

Slang Meanings

To give someone the favor of something temporarily.

Can you lend me your charger for a bit?

To provide assistance or support.

I’ll lend you my support during this time.