lend
B1Neutral (used in both formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
to give something to someone for a temporary period, expecting it to be returned.
To give assistance or support; to contribute or add a particular quality to something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a temporary transfer with expectation of return. Often used with abstract qualities (e.g., lend support, lend credence). The recipient is the indirect object.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Lend' is the standard verb in both varieties; 'loan' as a verb is more accepted in American English, especially in financial contexts.
Connotations
In British English, using 'loan' as a verb (e.g., 'Can you loan me a pen?') is often considered informal or a chiefly American usage.
Frequency
'Lend' is significantly more frequent than the verb 'loan' in both corpora, but the verb 'loan' has a higher relative frequency in AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVOO (lend someone something)SVOA (lend something to someone)SVA (lend itself to something)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lend a hand”
- “lend an ear”
- “lend itself to”
- “lend credence to”
- “lend colour to”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to providing capital, resources, or credibility.
Academic
Used to describe contributing to theories or arguments (e.g., 'The data lends support to the hypothesis').
Everyday
Primarily for temporary transfer of physical items or giving help.
Technical
In finance, a precise term for providing funds under agreement.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you lend me your umbrella until tomorrow?
- The new evidence lends considerable weight to their argument.
- The garden lends itself perfectly to summer parties.
American English
- Can you lend me five bucks until payday?
- His presence lent an air of authority to the proceedings.
- The software's flexibility lends it to a variety of uses.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I will lend you my bike for the afternoon.
- She lent her friend a favourite book.
- The bank agreed to lend them the money for the car.
- Could you lend a hand with these bags?
- The historical context lends a deeper meaning to the novel.
- His calm demeanour lent confidence to the whole team.
- The study's methodology lends itself to replication in diverse settings.
- He was reluctant to lend his name to a commercial venture of dubious merit.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a friend: you LEND to a FRIEND. Both words end with 'end'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT IS LENDING (lend support), CREDIBILITY IS A LOANABLE OBJECT (lend credence), ATTENTION IS A LOANABLE OBJECT (lend an ear).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'занимать' (to borrow). Remember: you LEND TO someone, you BORROW FROM someone. 'Lend' = давать взаймы, 'borrow' = брать взаймы.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'borrow' instead of 'lend' (e.g., 'Can you borrow me a pencil?'). Using the incorrect preposition (e.g., 'lend from' instead of 'lend to').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'lend' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Lend' means to give something temporarily (the subject is the giver). 'Borrow' means to take something temporarily (the subject is the receiver). You lend TO someone, you borrow FROM someone.
Yes, primarily in American English, especially for money (e.g., 'The bank loaned them the capital'). In British English, 'loan' as a verb is more common for formal/monetary contexts, and 'lend' is preferred for everyday items.
It means 'to be suitable for' or 'to have qualities that make something easy or appropriate'. (e.g., 'The topic lends itself to a lively debate').
Yes, it is very common with abstract nouns like support, credence, weight, charm, assistance, urgency, etc.