lent
lent Lexical Profile
lent Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To grant to someone the temporary possession or use of something on the condition that it, or its equivalent, be returned (past tense and past participle of lend).
"She generously lent me her umbrella when the sudden downpour started."
To contribute or impart a particular quality, effect, or atmosphere to something (past tense and past participle of lend).
"The flickering candlelight lent a warm, inviting ambiance to the dining room."
• noun
In the Christian liturgical calendar, the solemn period of forty weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter, traditionally observed with fasting, abstinence, and penitence (usually capitalized as Lent).
"Many people choose to give up a favorite luxury or habit during Lent."
• adjective
Provided or handed over to someone for temporary use on the condition that it be returned.
"Please take extra care of the lent equipment so we can return it in good condition."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a verb, 'lent' is the standard past tense and past participle of 'lend'; do not confuse it with 'loaned' (which is standard in American English for financial transactions, whereas British English prefers 'lent' for all senses) or 'borrowed' (which means taking rather than giving).
• Rhymes for lent
Word Origin & Etymology
As a noun naming the Christian liturgical season, it comes from Old English 'lencten', meaning 'springtime' or 'the lengthening of days'. As a verb form, it derives from Old English 'lænan' ('to grant temporarily').