# lent

/ˈɫɛnt/ (US) · /lˈɛnt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lent
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. past tense of lend

verb · CEFR A2

the past tense of 'lend'. You use this when you gave something to someone for a short time and expected it back.

For teachers: the simple past and past participle form of the transitive verb 'lend'.

- I lent him my umbrella because it was raining heavily outside.
- The bank lent the startup a significant sum of money, provided they could meet the strict repayment schedule outlined in the contract.

### 2. religious period

noun · CEFR B2

the 40 days before Easter when some Christians give up certain foods or habits.

For teachers: the period of forty days before Easter, observed in many Christian churches as a time of fasting and repentance.

- She decided to give up chocolate for Lent this year.
- During Lent, many observers commit to a period of spiritual reflection and the temporary abstention from luxury goods or specific dietary habits.

Usage: Usually capitalized as 'Lent'.

### 3. university term

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Formal

the name of the second academic term of the year at some British universities.

For teachers: the second term of the academic year at certain institutions, most notably the University of Cambridge.

- The students worked hard on their research projects during the Lent term.
- The university schedule is divided into three parts: the Michaelmas term, the Lent term, and the Easter term.

Usage: Often used as 'Lent term'.

## Examples

- I am giving up chocolate for Lent this year.
- During Lent, many local restaurants offer fish specials on Fridays to accommodate those who abstain from eating meat.
- The historical observance of Lent has evolved from a strict fast to a more symbolic period of self-denial, though the core focus on spiritual discipline remains central to the liturgical calendar.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.