lease
UK: liːs | US: liːs
n. a contractual agreement granting use of property for a specified time in exchange for payment
vt. to grant or obtain temporary possession of property under such terms
lease = leas<to gather, release (Old English)> + e (verb suffix)
- leas: From Old English lǣs ("to gather, release"), related to lǣtan ("to let, allow"). Originally implied "to loosen" or "grant freedom to use."
- e: A common verb-forming suffix in Old English, now silent in modern spelling.
Etymology Origin:
The word "lease" traces back to Old English lǣs, rooted in the concept of "releasing" or "allowing" something to be used. Over time, it narrowed to specifically denote contractual property agreements, reflecting the idea of "granting temporary freedom" to another party. The silent "-e" preserves its historical verb form.
They signed a one-year lease for the apartment.
The landlord agreed to lease the office space to the startup.
The lease includes a clause for early termination.
She decided to lease a car instead of buying one.
The terms of the lease prohibit subletting.