Lend

/lɛnd/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to give (an item of value) to someone for a period of time with the expectation that it will be returned.

I will lend you my book if you promise to return it next week.

to provide (money) to someone with the expectation of repayment.

The bank was willing to lend her the money she needed to buy a house.

to grant the use of something.

Can you lend me your phone for a moment?

to contribute or add to something.

His experience will lend credibility to the project.

Old English 'lendan', meaning 'to grant, allow'.

lend a hand

to help someone

lend itself to

to be suitable for

lend one's name

to allow one's name to be used for support or endorsement

borrow

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

loan

a thing that is borrowed, especially a sum of money that is expected to be paid back with interest.

To hook someone up with something.

Can you lend me five bucks for a drink?

To help someone out in a difficult situation.

I knew I could count on you to lend me a favor.