What’s the Difference between Lend and Borrow?

Shana Goodwin, February 16, 2021

Photograph by chutterstock

Lend means to give something to someone for a short time. 

Examples: The library lends a book to Sofia. I want to buy a car, but my friend won’t lend me any money.

Borrow means to receive something from someone for a short time. 

Examples: Sofia borrows a book from the library. My friend wants to borrow some money so he can buy a house.

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