Borrow and lend describe the same transaction from two different sides, which is exactly why they get swapped.
To borrow is to take something from someone else, planning to give it back.
borrow full definition →
To lend is to give something to someone else, expecting it back later.
lend full definition →
| borrow | lend | |
|---|---|---|
| Who does it | The person receiving the item | The person giving the item |
| Direction | Something comes to you | Something goes from you |
| Simple test | "I borrowed his book" means I took it, temporarily | "He lent me his book" means he gave it to me, temporarily |
You borrow FROM someone. Someone lends TO you. Same transaction, opposite direction.
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