April 25, 2013 – Word of the Day

rent

A person who rents something pays only for the time that he or she uses it. You can rent a car, a house, a building, a store, or equipment.

In these examples, "rent" is a verb:

• They’re renting a house.
• Zelda needs to rent a car for a few weeks. (The word "lease" could be used in place of "rent.")
• Hank’s company rents out office space in this building. (They own the building. To rent out something is to make it available for other people to rent it.)
• Where can I rent a compressor?
• Let’s rent a boat and go on the lake.

The adjective form of "rent" is "rented" or "rental."

• They live in a rented house.
• They signed a rental agreement.
• They took out rental insurance in case of a fire or a flood.

The word "rent" is a noun.

• Did you pay this month’s rent?
• The rent is due on the fifth day of the month.
• They pay a very high rent. It’s $2000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.
• How much is the rent?

A person who rents is a "renter." The thing being rented is a "rental."

• The renters didn’t pay the rent, so they were evicted. (They were forced to leave.)
• All the houses on this block are rentals.
• He’s driving a rental for a few days while his car is being fixed.
• Tired of being a renter, Tanya finally decided to buy a house.

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