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verb

prestar

pay · lend

Dar algo a alguien por un tiempo con la idea de que lo devuelva después.

Definition & meaning

The verb prestar primarily refers to the act of allowing someone to use something for a limited period of time, with the expectation that it will be returned.

  1. To lend: To temporarily give an object or resource to another person. For example, lending a book or money.
  2. To provide or render: Often used in the phrase prestar atención (to pay attention) or prestar servicios (to provide services), where it means to offer or give something abstract.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

  • Prestar is a regular -ar verb.
  • It is a transitive verb, meaning it typically takes a direct object (what is being lent) and an indirect object (the person receiving the item).

Origin:

  • It derives from the Vulgar Latin word praestare, which means "to stand before," "to guarantee," or "to provide." Over time, the meaning evolved in Romance languages to specifically focus on the act of lending.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Facilitar : To provide or make something easy to obtain.
  • Ceder : To give up or yield something for use by another.
  • Ofrecer : To offer or provide assistance or a service.
  • Conceder : To grant or allow something.

Antonyms:

  • Pedir prestado [?](vocabuo://word/pedir prestado): To borrow (the opposite action of lending).
  • Tomar : To take.
  • Negar : To deny or refuse to give.

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Examples

Tengo que prestar más atención en clase para poder entender.verb

I have to pay more attention in class to be able to understand.

Voy a prestarte mi libro para que puedas estudiar.verb

I am going to lend you my book so you can study.

Mi amigo puede prestarte su bicicleta si quieres.verb

My friend can lend you his bike if you want.

Manuela siempre presta su libro a los amigos.verb

Manuela always lends her book to friends.

¿Por qué no me prestas tu chaqueta por un rato?verb

Why don't you lend me your jacket for a while?

Decidieron prestar sus libros a los nuevos alumnos para ayudarlos.verb

They decided to lend their books to the new students to help them.

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