Loan

Definition

Loan is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a sum of money borrowed, typically expected to be paid back with interest. It can also mean something lent temporarily. As a verb, it describes the act of lending something to someone, especially money.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /loʊn/
• Respelling: LOHN

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ləʊn/
• Respelling: LOHN

Etymology

The word "loan" originates from Old Norse "lán," meaning "gift" or "something lent," and entered Middle English as "lan," referring to the act of lending. Its modern sense of borrowing and repaying with interest evolved during the 16th century.

Derivatives

• Loanable (adjective)
• Loaner (noun)
• Loansharking (noun)
• Loanword (noun)
• Relend (verb)

Synonyms

• Borrowing
• Credit
• Advance

Antonyms

• Repayment
• Return
• None

Usage

The term "loan" is commonly used in financial and informal contexts. For example, "The bank approved his home loan," or "Can you loan me your book for the weekend?"

Related Terms

• Mortgage: A specific type of loan used to purchase property.
• Debt: Money that is owed to someone.
• Interest: The cost of borrowing money, typically a percentage of the loan amount.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A sum of money lent with the expectation of repayment with interest: Describes financial agreements for borrowing funds.
  • Example: "He took out a loan to start his business."
• Something temporarily lent to someone: Refers to items or resources given for temporary use.
  • Example: "She gave him a loan of her bicycle."

Verb

• To lend something to someone: Describes the act of temporarily giving an item or money.
  • Example: "The library loaned him three books for a month."