lent
B1Neutral to formal.
Definition
Meaning
The simple past and past participle form of the verb 'lend', meaning to give something to someone for a temporary period, expecting it to be returned.
Can refer to the act of temporarily granting or providing something, often with an implication of help or trust. Also, the name of the Christian period of fasting and penitence preceding Easter.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning is irregular past tense of 'lend'. The noun 'Lent' (Christian observance) is a homonym and requires capitalization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both forms use 'lent' as the past tense of 'lend'. 'Lent' (religious observance) is more culturally prominent in the UK. The verb 'loan' (as past tense 'loaned') is more common in American English for financial contexts, but 'lent' is still standard.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'lent' implies a temporary, often informal or trust-based transaction. 'Loaned' can sound more formal or specifically financial.
Frequency
'Lent' as past tense is frequent in both. The noun 'Lent' is more frequent in UK discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + lent + Indirect Object + Direct Object (He lent me a pen).Subject + lent + Direct Object + to + Indirect Object (He lent a pen to me).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lent a hand (helped)”
- “lent an ear (listened)”
- “lent a sympathetic ear”
- “lent its name to”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The bank lent the company the capital for expansion."
Academic
"The study lent credence to the earlier hypothesis."
Everyday
"She lent her neighbour a cup of sugar."
Technical
"The structure lent stability to the overall design."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He kindly lent me his umbrella for the day.
- The museum has lent the painting to the Tate for the exhibition.
American English
- She lent me twenty dollars until payday.
- The data lends support to our theory.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective for the verb form. For the noun: 'Lent services'.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective for the verb form. For the noun: 'Lent readings'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My friend lent me a great book.
- I lent my sister my favourite sweater.
- The library lent out hundreds of laptops during the exam period.
- He lent a hand with the heavy lifting.
- The government's stance lent credibility to the environmental campaign.
- The ancient ruins lent an air of mystery to the landscape.
- His extensive experience lent considerable weight to his testimony.
- The new evidence lent itself to several conflicting interpretations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LEND' changes to LENT, just like SEND changes to SENT. Both involve giving something away.
Conceptual Metaphor
GIVING IS SUPPORTING (He lent his support to the cause). TIME/OBJECTS ARE RESOURCES (She lent him her time).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'одолжил' (lent to) vs. 'занял' (borrowed from). 'Lent' is from the perspective of the giver. Russian 'ссуда' is more formal/legalistic; 'lent' is broader.
- The noun 'Lent' translates as 'Великий пост' and is unrelated to the verb.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I lended him the book.' Correct: 'I lent him the book.'
- Confusing 'borrowed' (received) with 'lent' (gave). 'Can you borrow me your pen?' is incorrect. 'Can you lend me your pen?' is correct.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'lent' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'lent' is used for any item, resource, or abstract quality temporarily given (e.g., time, support, a book, an ear).
Both are correct past tense forms. 'Loaned' is often preferred in formal, especially financial, American contexts. 'Lent' is more common in general and British English.
Use the rhyme: 'You LEND to a friend. You BORROW FROM a friend.' 'Lent' is the past tense of giving; 'borrowed' is the past tense of receiving.
No, it is a homonym. The noun 'Lent' (from Old English 'lencten', meaning 'spring') is the name for the Christian fasting period. The verb 'lent' comes from 'lend'.