Lend
/lɛnd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo give something to someone for a period of time, expecting it to be returned.
/lɛnd/
To grant the use of (something) on the understanding that it or its equivalent will be returned.
Could you lend me your book, please?
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend needs a book, and you're happy to let them borrow it for a week. That's lending! You're letting them use your book but you expect them to give it back.
👶 For kids: To let someone use something for a little while.
More Examples
The library lends books to its members.
She lent her car to her brother for the weekend.
How It's Used
"The bank lends money to businesses."
"Can you lend me your pen?"
To contribute or add something (e.g., a quality, characteristic, or appearance) to someone or something.
/lɛnd/
To give (a quality, characteristic, or appearance) to someone or something.
Her experience lends credibility to her advice.
💡 Simply: Imagine a house that looks old and spooky. That old house *lends* the street a mysterious feeling. It's like it adds a special touch to it!
👶 For kids: To give something like a feeling or look to something.
More Examples
The soft lighting lent a romantic atmosphere to the room.
His voice lent authority to the announcement.
How It's Used
"The old house lent an air of mystery to the street."
"His seriousness lent weight to his argument."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
lend itself to
To be suitable for or appropriate to something; to be conducive to something.
"The software lends itself well to data analysis."
From Old English *lænan*, from Proto-Germanic *laihwaną*, meaning 'to give to another' or 'to allow use of something'.
Historically, 'lend' has often been used in legal contexts, specifically relating to financial transactions.
Memory tip
Think of lending a hand – you offer help for a while.
Word Origin
"to give, to allow"