Prêter (en. Lend)

/pʁete/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
verb
To give something to someone for temporary use.
Can you lend me your book?
Peux-tu me prêter ton livre ?
To grant credit or a loan to someone.
The bank lent me money to buy a house.
La banque m'a prêté de l'argent pour acheter une maison.
To take on a responsibility or a role.
He lent me his help for the project.
Il m'a prêté son aide pour le projet.

Etymology

From the Latin 'praestare', meaning 'to offer, provide, grant'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

lend a helping hand
Helping someone in a difficult situation.
prêter main forte
lend an ear
Listening attentively.
prêter l'oreille

Related Words

loan
Sum of money, goods, or services provided to a borrower with the expectation of repayment.
prêt
borrow
To receive something from someone with the intention of returning it.
emprunter

Slang Meanings

To lend money informally.
I’ll lend you a bit of cash, no problem.
Je te prête un peu de cash, pas de souci.