LEND

[verb] [past:] lent - to give (something) to someone for a short period of time, expecting it to be given backShe doesn't like lending her books. [T]If you need a coat I can lend you one/lend one to you. [+ two objects]USAGE: Compare borrow.See study section: Borrow and lendA bank or other organization that lends gives money to you and you agree that you will pay the money back in the future, usually with additional money added to the original amount.The bank refuses to lend to students. [I]The bank agreed to lend him $5000/lend $5000 to him. [+ two objects]If something lends a particular quality to something else, it adds that quality to it.Vases of flowers all around the room lent the place a cheerful look/lent a cheerful look to the place. [+ two objects]Photographs lent some credibility to his story. [T](formal) These events lend support to the view that the law is inadequate. [T](dated) If you lend an ear (to someone or something) you listen carefully and patiently.She's an expert on wines, so when she speaks it's worth lending an ear.(formal) If something lends itself to something else, it is suitable for that thing or can be considered in that way.The computer lends itself to many different uses.If you lend your name to something, you give it your support.Some of the world's top dancers have lent their names to the project.Lending library is (dated) for a public library.(esp. UK and ANZ) A bank's lending rate (US usually, ANZ also interest rate) is the amount that it charges on money that it lends you.Banks have raised their lending rates by 2%.