prêtez

Prêtez is a form of the French verb prêter, meaning to lend or loan. Specifically, it is the second-person plural present indicative form (vous prêtez) and also the imperative form used in commands or requests addressed to you all.

Usage and meaning

Prêter is a transitive verb that requires a direct object and often an indirect object to indicate to whom something is lent. The basic construction is prêter quelque chose à quelqu'un, for example, prêter un livre à un ami. The sense is to make a temporary transfer of custody or use, with the expectation that the item will be returned.

Conjugation and forms

In the present indicative, the forms are: je prête, tu prêtes, il prête, nous prêtons, vous prêtez, ils prêtent. The imperative for vous is prêtez (as in Prêtez votre aide). The subjunctive present is que vous prêtiez. The past participle is prêté, used to form compound tenses such as j'ai prêté.

Etymology and related terms

The verb prêter derives from Old French prestier or prestar, which in turn come from Latin praestare, meaning to furnish, provide, or perform. Related nouns include prêt (a loan) and prêteur (lender). The adjective prêt, meaning ready, is a different sense that shares the same spelling but a distinct origin.

See also

Prêter is often contrasted with emprunter (to borrow). Useful related terms include prêt, prêteur, and prêt mutuel in financial contexts. The concept appears across French-speaking regions, with minor regional variations in usage and formality.