lend 🔊
Meaning of lend
To grant someone the use of something temporarily, expecting it to be returned.
Key Difference
Unlike 'give,' which implies permanent transfer, 'lend' involves temporary use with an expectation of return.
Example of lend
- Can you lend me your book for the weekend?
- Banks lend money to businesses to help them grow.
Synonyms
loan 🔊
Meaning of loan
To give something to someone for temporary use, often with formal terms.
Key Difference
'Loan' is more formal and often used in financial contexts, while 'lend' is more general.
Example of loan
- The library loans books to members for three weeks.
- She agreed to loan him the car for his road trip.
advance 🔊
Meaning of advance
To provide something (often money) before it is due.
Key Difference
'Advance' implies providing something ahead of time, often as part of a formal agreement.
Example of advance
- The company advanced him a portion of his salary.
- Can you advance me some cash until payday?
lease 🔊
Meaning of lease
To grant the use of property or equipment for a fixed period in exchange for payment.
Key Difference
'Lease' is typically long-term and involves a contract, unlike 'lend,' which is often informal.
Example of lease
- They decided to lease the apartment for a year.
- The construction company leased heavy machinery for the project.
rent 🔊
Meaning of rent
To allow temporary use of something in exchange for payment.
Key Difference
'Rent' always involves payment, while 'lend' does not necessarily.
Example of rent
- He rented a tuxedo for the wedding.
- We rented a cabin for the summer.
entrust 🔊
Meaning of entrust
To give someone responsibility for something valuable.
Key Difference
'Entrust' implies trust and responsibility, not just temporary use.
Example of entrust
- She entrusted her jewelry to her sister while traveling.
- The manager entrusted him with confidential documents.
provide 🔊
Meaning of provide
To supply something for use.
Key Difference
'Provide' is broader and does not imply an expectation of return.
Example of provide
- The school provides laptops to all students.
- Charities provide food and shelter to the homeless.
furnish 🔊
Meaning of furnish
To supply or equip with what is needed.
Key Difference
'Furnish' often refers to supplying permanently, not temporarily.
Example of furnish
- The office was furnished with modern desks.
- The hotel furnished fresh towels daily.
grant 🔊
Meaning of grant
To agree to give or allow something requested.
Key Difference
'Grant' is more formal and often used in official or legal contexts.
Example of grant
- The judge granted him permission to leave the country.
- The foundation granted funds for the research.
bestow 🔊
Meaning of bestow
To give something as an honor or gift.
Key Difference
'Bestow' implies a formal or ceremonial giving, not temporary lending.
Example of bestow
- The king bestowed a knighthood upon the hero.
- The university bestowed an honorary degree on the scientist.
Conclusion
- 'Lend' is best used when referring to temporary sharing with an expectation of return.
- 'Loan' is ideal for formal or financial transactions.
- 'Advance' works when providing something ahead of schedule.
- 'Lease' should be used for long-term, contractual arrangements.
- 'Rent' is appropriate when payment is involved.
- 'Entrust' is best when responsibility and trust are key.
- 'Provide' is a general term for supplying necessities.
- 'Furnish' is suitable for equipping spaces permanently.
- 'Grant' fits official permissions or approvals.
- 'Bestow' is reserved for ceremonial or honorary giving.