lend

verb

ˈlend 

lent ˈlent  ; lending

transitive verb

1

a(1)

: to give for temporary use on condition that the same or its equivalent be returned

lend me your pen

(2)

: to put at another's temporary disposal

lent us their services

b

: to let out (money) for temporary use on condition of repayment with interest

The bank lent him the money for home improvements.

2

a

: to give the assistance or support of : afford, furnish

a dispassionate and scholarly manner which lends great force to his criticisms

—The Times Literary Supplement (London)

b

: to adapt or apply (oneself) readily : accommodate

a topic that lends itself admirably to class discussion

intransitive verb

: to make a loan

lendable

ˈlen-də-bəl 

adjective

lender noun

Loan vs. Lend: Usage Guide

The verb loan is one of the words English settlers brought to America and continued to use after it had died out in Britain. Its use was soon noticed by British visitors and somewhat later by the New England literati, who considered it a bit provincial. It was flatly declared wrong in 1870 by a popular commentator, who based his objection on etymology. A later scholar showed that the commentator was ignorant of Old English and thus unsound in his objection, but by then it was too late, as the condemnation had been picked up by many other commentators. Although a surprising number of critics still voice objections, loan is entirely standard as a verb. You should note that it is used only literally; lend is the verb used for figurative expressions, such as "lending a hand" or "lending enchantment."

Synonyms

• advance
• loan

Examples of lend in a Sentence

I lent our ladder to the neighbors.

The bank wouldn't lend us the money.

Many banks won't lend to people with bad credit.

They are glad to lend their support to worthy causes.

Recent Examples on the Web

The notes of high-toned bright fruit—think sour cherry, balsamic and black tea flavors—lend it a lovely sweet-savory profile. —Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Though Tom Hanks voices seven characters in the film, plenty of other actors lend their voices, including Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye, Peter Scolari, Eddie Deezen and more. —Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024

Now, by the way, sitting next to her for 14 years doesn’t exactly lend to good mental health or physical health. —As Told To Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024

The 34-27 vote lends a boost to Connolly, the more senior of the two candidates, heading into a vote of the full Caucus later in the week. —Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lenen, (15th century) lenden "to give, bestow, give for temporary use," going back to Old English lǣnan, derivative of lǣn "something lent, grant, gift" — more at loan entry 1

Note: The -d- in late Middle English lenden, continued into Modern English, was imported from the past lende and the past participle lent, apparently by association with verbs such as bend entry 1, send entry 1, wend, where the dental consonant was part of the base form.

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing lend

• give/lend me a hand with
• give/lend one's name to
• lend a hand
• lend itself to
• lend-lease
• lend one's name
• lend weight/credence/credibility

Kids Definition

lend

verb

ˈlend 

lent ˈlent  ; lending

1

a

: to give to another for temporary use with the understanding that it or a like thing will be returned

lend a book

b

: to let out (money) for temporary use with the understanding that it will be paid back with interest

banks and other lending institutions

2

: to give usually for a time

lend assistance

3

: to have the quality or nature that makes suitable

a voice that lends itself to opera

lender noun

Legal Definition

lend

verb

lent; lending

transitive verb

1

: to give for temporary use on condition that the same or its equivalent be returned

2

: to let out (money) for temporary use on condition of repayment with interest

intransitive verb

: to make a loan

lendable adjective

lender noun