The Past Tense of Lend: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

If you have ever been curious about the correct past tense of lend was? This article will clear that up plus give you a look into the history of the word, the definition, and everything else you could want to learn about the word so that you can choose the american english correct word.

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What is the Definition of the Word Lend?

The word lend is defined as:

The word lend is defined as:

  • to give for temporary use on condition that the same or its equivalent be returned 
    • lend me your pen
  • to put at another’s temporary disposal 
    • lent us their services
  • to let out (money) for temporary use on condition of repayment with interest 
    • The bank lent him the money for home improvements.
  • 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)
  • to adapt or apply (oneself) readily: ACCOMMODATE
    • a topic that lends itself admirably to class discussion

How do you Conjugate Lend?

Here are the other conjugations of the word lend:

Base Form (Infinitive) lend 
Past Simple Lent (common), lended (uncommon)
Past Participle lent
3rd Person Singular lends
Present Participle/ Present Tenselending

The History and Origin of the Word

The word lend was used long before the 12th century but is known from the late 14th-century Old English language word laenan meaning to “to grant temporarily, lease out, make loans, lend money at interest.” The term “lend an ear” became popular in MIddle English when they added a “d” to make the past tense form. 

Loan vrs. Lend: A Usage Guide

The word loan is the verb form of the verb lend. It was a word brought over by English settlers and still used long after it had become obsolete in Britain. In 1870, an unnamed popular commentator stated it was wrong. People tried to object his claim but it gained traction fast. Today the word loan is recognized as an english verb but used only literally. Lend is used when figuratively speaking such as, “lending a hand.” Here are some examples of both words used in a sentence: 

Loan:

  • If you loan me some money, I would be so grateful. 
  • The bank loaned the company some money. 
  • We will have to pay back this loan eventually. 

Lend: 

  • I am lending our ladder to the neighbors. 
  • I will lend a certain period of time to my local charity. 
  •  The bank wouldn’t lend us the money. 
  •  Many banks won’t lend to people with bad credit that is a bad borrower . 
  •  They are glad to lend their support to worthy causes.
  • I lended my friends a hand with learning his antonyms.

Synonyms for Lend

  • Advance- to give to another for temporary use with the understanding that it or alike thing will be returned 
    • advanced her some cash with the understanding that the amount would be deducted from her first paycheck
  • Loan- to give to another for temporary use with the understanding that it or alike thing will be returned 
    • can you loan me your lawnmower this weekend?
  • Give- to make a present of 
    • thanked all the tutors who generously gave their time to help students after school
  • Grant- to accept the truth or existence of (something) usually reluctantly 
    • you will grant that she is difficult to work with
  • Lease- to give the possession and use of (something) in return for the periodic payment 
    • the landlord was willing to lease the apartment for less than we had expected
  • Rent- to give the possession and use of (something) in return for the periodic payment 
    • we rented the apartment to a college student for $500 a month
  • Borrow- to take for one’s own use (something originated by another) 
    • borrowed the basic plot from a book of tales, but put her personal stamp on the story

Examples of the Word in Context

Summary 

Next time you need to write the word of the day as lend, you will be well prepared for everything you need to know what it is and how to use it efficiently. You should feel confident with the different conjugations, the history of the word, and the definition.

Sources:

  1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lend
  2. https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/irregular-verbs/lend.html
  3. https://www.etymonline.com/word/lend
  4. https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2020/09/07/the-gospel-of-jean-jacques/
  5. https://newrepublic.com/article/158877/climate-change-china-biden-democratic-platform-2020
  6. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a33546876/hyundai-ioniq-brand-electric-cars/
  7. https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2020/08/alabamas-new-and-less-familiar-names-to-know-in-2020.html
  8. https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/best-beaches-in-the-maldives
  9. https://ew.com/tv/big-brother-all-stars-premiere-covid-19-coronavirus/
  10. https://www.statnews.com/2020/07/30/science-behind-nurses-as-coronavirus-hospital-heroes/
  11. https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/home_garden/article_ac8f6a2e-e09f-11ea-9b11-fbaa6c22b0d9.html